Kenny Atkinson is off to an exceptional start as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guiding the team to a perfect 10-0 record. This achievement marks the first time in NBA history that a team has started a season 10-0 while scoring at least 110 points in each game. Atkinson, who was worried about facing the defending champion Golden State Warriors, was impressed by his team’s readiness and hunger. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were key contributors in the 136-117 victory over the Warriors, with Garland scoring 27 points and Mobley adding 23.
The Cavaliers’ high-powered offense under Atkinson has been a key factor in their success. The team leads the league in points per game at 124.5 and boasts a field goal percentage of 52.7%. This is a significant improvement over last season, where Cleveland averaged 112.6 points per game and shot 47.9% from the field. Despite having the same core roster, the Cavaliers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics last year. The only major change this season was Atkinson’s hiring, a move that has paid immediate dividends.
Atkinson’s offensive system has proven to be a perfect fit for Cleveland, and he has received praise from many, including his former boss, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr noted that Atkinson’s familiarity with several key players, including Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert, has made the transition smoother. Atkinson’s up-tempo style and focus on team play have been embraced by the Cavaliers, with Mitchell and Garland leading the charge. The team’s success has been built on ball movement and selflessness, which has allowed them to play fast and efficient basketball.
One of the key elements of Cleveland’s success this season has been their depth. Ten players are averaging at least 15 minutes per game, but none is playing more than 31 minutes. This balance has kept the team fresh and energized throughout games. Backup guard Ty Jerome, who scored a season-high 20 points against Golden State, credited the team’s selflessness and unselfish play for their success. The Cavaliers’ depth allows them to play at a high tempo, with contributions coming from across the roster.
Despite their impressive start, the Cavaliers recognize they have room for improvement. In their dominant win over Golden State, Cleveland built a 41-point halftime lead but still committed 20 turnovers, leading to 32 points for the Warriors. Additionally, while they have outshot opponents in every game, they’ve only won the rebounding battle four times. Jarrett Allen acknowledged that there is still plenty to work on, but he also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to get better under Atkinson’s leadership. The Cavaliers are focused on continuing to improve and are optimistic about their potential.
