What has gotten into the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Despite no changes to their roster, the team has upgraded in some massive ways and has a jaw-dropping 9-0 record.
What’s behind this terrific and unexpected success?
According to FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell feels the addition of new head coach Kenny Atkinson has done a lot for the team.
“The vibes are great. Energy is great. And he’s done a phenomenal job with us,” Mitchell said of Atkinson.
Record-setting vibes in Cleveland. 😎 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/EZC7GqJ29A
— FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland (@FanDuelSN_CLE) November 7, 2024
Everyone has to tip their hats to Atkinson, who has seemingly taken the team to the next level.
This isn’t his first head coach job, of course.
After years of being an assistant coach for the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, he spent four seasons leading the Brooklyn Nets and acquiring a 118-190 record during that time.
Following that, Atkinson was back to being an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors.
When he came to the Cavaliers in the summer, Atkinson was tasked with helping the team finally reach its potential.
They were supposed to be championship contenders two seasons ago when they added Donovan Mitchell but they weren’t able to truly capitalize on their talented roster.
Atkinson has transformed the team without getting new players and, according to Mitchell, everyone is buying into his plans and coaching style.
Sometimes it’s not new players that a team needs.
In this case, the Cavaliers weren’t missing more talent on the court, they were missing a coach who could manage and lead them correctly.
NEXT: Fans React To Cavs' 9-0 Start
