The Cleveland Cavaliers made NBA history Sunday night, becoming just the fourth team ever to start a season with a flawless 15-0 record. In a commanding 128-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the Cavs extended their franchise-best unbeaten streak despite missing newly acquired superstar Donovan Mitchell.
According to sources close to the team, head coach Kenny Atkinson made the bold decision to rest Mitchell against Charlotte, prioritizing the grueling marathon of an 82-game season over any individual matchup. It’s a testament to Cleveland’s newfound depth and defensive tenacity that they could dominate even without their leading scorer.
Garland, Mobley, and Allen Step Up
With Mitchell sidelined, the young Cavaliers core rose to the occasion. Darius Garland orchestrated the offense masterfully, notching 25 points and 8 assists in a dazzling display of ball handling wizardry. His back court partner Ty Jerome matched a career-high with 24 points while capably filling in for the absent All-Star.
In the front court, Evan Mobley continued his stellar sophomore campaign with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The lanky 7-footer showcased his unique inside-out skill set, punishing the Hornets in the paint and on the perimeter. Not to be outdone, Jarrett Allen bullied Charlotte on the boards, racking up 21 points and 15 rebounds for another routine double-double.
The way this team competes, the way they play together, it’s special. I think that’s the sign of a great team.
– Coach Kenny Atkinson on the Cavaliers’ historic streak
Chasing Greatness
At 15-0, Cleveland joins elite company. Only the 2016 Golden State Warriors (who started 24-0 en route to an NBA record 73 wins), 1994 Houston Rockets (15-0), and 1949 Washington Capitols (15-0) have matched this blistering beginning.
- 2016 Golden State Warriors: 24-0 start, 73-9 record
- 1994 Houston Rockets: 15-0 start, NBA champions
- 1949 Washington Capitols: 15-0 start in Basketball Association of America (BAA)
But in the jubilant Cavaliers locker room, players refused to look too far ahead. Garland, ever the steady leader, emphasized the need to “just take it one game at a time.”
We can’t get caught up in the hype. 15-0 is great, don’t get me wrong. But this was just one November win.
– Darius Garland on staying focused
Proving Ground
The streaking Cavs now head to Boston for a Tuesday night showdown with the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics. It’s the first of four meetings between the top two teams in the East, an early preview of a potential playoff clash looming next spring.
With MVP candidate Mitchell expected back in the lineup and Cleveland’s switchy defense stifling opponents, this upstart squad looks poised to emphatically announce their contender status on a national stage.
Season
Cleveland Cavaliers Record Through 15 Games
2022-23 8-7
2023-24 11-4
2024-25 (Current) 15-0
The Cavs’ torrid 15-game rampage to open this 2024-25 campaign marks a staggering turnaround for a franchise mired in mediocrity since LeBron James departed in 2018. After three years of steady improvement with their young nucleus, the offseason acquisition of three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell from Utah appears to have catalyzed Cleveland’s leap to full-fledged contention.
Now a gritty, switch-heavy defensive juggernaut with a dynamic scoring attack, this well-balanced Cavaliers roster looks primed to make serious noise in the postseason. While the long road to a title remains daunting, for at least one more night, the NBA’s last unbeaten team can bask in their historic start as they steel themselves for the battles to come.
In the front court, Evan Mobley continued his stellar sophomore campaign with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The lanky 7-footer showcased his unique inside-out skill set, punishing the Hornets in the paint and on the perimeter. Not to be outdone, Jarrett Allen bullied Charlotte on the boards, racking up 21 points and 15 rebounds for another routine double-double.
The way this team competes, the way they play together, it’s special. I think that’s the sign of a great team.
– Coach Kenny Atkinson on the Cavaliers’ historic streak
Chasing Greatness
At 15-0, Cleveland joins elite company. Only the 2016 Golden State Warriors (who started 24-0 en route to an NBA record 73 wins), 1994 Houston Rockets (15-0), and 1949 Washington Capitols (15-0) have matched this blistering beginning.
- 2016 Golden State Warriors: 24-0 start, 73-9 record
- 1994 Houston Rockets: 15-0 start, NBA champions
- 1949 Washington Capitols: 15-0 start in Basketball Association of America (BAA)
But in the jubilant Cavaliers locker room, players refused to look too far ahead. Garland, ever the steady leader, emphasized the need to “just take it one game at a time.”
We can’t get caught up in the hype. 15-0 is great, don’t get me wrong. But this was just one November win.
– Darius Garland on staying focused
Proving Ground
The streaking Cavs now head to Boston for a Tuesday night showdown with the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics. It’s the first of four meetings between the top two teams in the East, an early preview of a potential playoff clash looming next spring.
With MVP candidate Mitchell expected back in the lineup and Cleveland’s switchy defense stifling opponents, this upstart squad looks poised to emphatically announce their contender status on a national stage.
Season
Cleveland Cavaliers Record Through 15 Games
2022-23 8-7
2023-24 11-4
2024-25 (Current) 15-0
The Cavs’ torrid 15-game rampage to open this 2024-25 campaign marks a staggering turnaround for a franchise mired in mediocrity since LeBron James departed in 2018. After three years of steady improvement with their young nucleus, the offseason acquisition of three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell from Utah appears to have catalyzed Cleveland’s leap to full-fledged contention.
Now a gritty, switch-heavy defensive juggernaut with a dynamic scoring attack, this well-balanced Cavaliers roster looks primed to make serious noise in the postseason. While the long road to a title remains daunting, for at least one more night, the NBA’s last unbeaten team can bask in their historic start as they steel themselves for the battles to come.
