The Cleveland Cavaliers are basking in the glow of their best start since their inception, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. With their recent victory over the Chicago Bulls, the Cavaliers have achieved the remarkable feat of starting the 2024 NBA season with twelve consecutive wins. This impressive performance aligns them as the eighth team to do so in league history, joining the ranks of some of the greatest squads ever assembled. Let’s break down how it all unfolded.
On November 11, 2024, Donovan Mitchell led the charge against the Bulls, putting up a season-high 36 points. Mitchell's offensive arsenal was on full display—he nailed seven three-pointers and contributed eight rebounds along with four steals. This performance was pivotal for the Cavaliers, showcasing Mitchell's leadership on the court as they edged out Chicago with a final score of 119-113.
His teammate, Darius Garland, also made significant contributions, scoring 17 points and providing five assists. But it didn't stop there; Evan Mobley added to the excitement with yet another double-double—the young forward recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, aiding the Cavaliers not just on offense but also protecting their paint defensively.
The night wasn't as comfortable as the score suggests. The Bulls surged at one point, establishing a nine-point lead during the third quarter, bringing tension to the game. But if there's one thing this year's Cavaliers squad has shown, it's resilience. They ended the third with a powerful 19-7 run, flipping the momentum entirely. This comeback exemplified their ability to perform under pressure, which has become the hallmark of their early success this season.
Coaching at the helm, Kenny Atkinson remains undefeated since taking over. His strategies and adjustments have been pivotal to this soaring start. Atkinson’s guidance appears to be working wonders as the Cavaliers not only focus on offense but have also tightened up their defense, allowing them to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.
For Chicago, the loss pushed them to their fifth defeat out of their last six games. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points but was unable to secure the win. Other notable performances included Coby White and Nikola Vucevic, both contributing 20 points each. The Bulls shot at 49.4 percent, decent numbers, but their 21 turnovers were significantly detrimental, leading to 35 points for the Cavaliers. This lack of ball security is something Chicago will need to address if they hope to regain their edge.
The Cavs' victory not only stands as a milestone for the franchise but also places them alongside elite company. Historically, teams with such strong starts have overwhelmingly reached the NBA Finals; five of the seven previous squads who started 12-0 made it at least to the championship series, with two going on to win it all. This historical parallel adds to the excitement and expectations surrounding the Cavaliers this year, as fans begin to dream perhaps even beyond just playoff appearances.
This powerful performance by the Cavaliers cements their status among the contenders for this season, and with their incredible synergy, they look to carry this winning momentum forward. Their collective grit and talent have fans buzzing, and many are hopeful for what the remainder of the season holds.
The Cavaliers will now look to maintain this unbeaten streak as they prepare to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers next, determined to solidify their dominance early on. Only time will tell if they can keep the ball rolling and aim for yet another landmark achievement as they look to cement their legacy not just this year but for seasons to come.
The excitement surrounding the Cavaliers is palpable; sports analysts and fans alike are eager to see what's next for this promising team. With key players stepping up consistently and the coaching staff's dynamic approach, the Cavaliers certainly have the makings of something special.
