Despite a 15-0 record to start this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t seem to be getting the type of recognition across the nation that a 15-0 NBA team usually does.
There are still plenty of people who feel the Cavaliers aren’t true championship contenders and that they will perhaps come back to earth in a humbling way in the coming weeks.
Veteran NBA analyst Sam Amick said that if the Cavs manage to defeat the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday, it would force the national media to consider them as a team that is truly worthy of respect, per Full Court Cleveland.
The #Cavs face their tallest task of the unbeaten streak when they roll into Boston tomorrow night. #LetEmKnow
"That's the big one. You go in there and win, and finally, the national media will give the Cavs some love."
– @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/H3MnMcfwI9
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) November 18, 2024
The Celtics humbled the Cavs in five games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, and they’re considered strong favorites to win it all again this season.
After that playoff loss, Cleveland let go of then-head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and replaced him with Kenny Atkinson, and Atkinson has transformed what was a mediocre Cleveland offense.
The team currently ranks first in points per game, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, free throw percentage and offensive rating, and there hasn’t been much, if any, slippage on the defensive end.
Donovan Mitchell is putting up his usual strong numbers, and Darius Garland has thus far rebounded from last season.
Meanwhile, big man Evan Mobley is averaging 18.1 points a game, which is 2.4 points a game higher than his average last season.
The Cavs will play Boston not only on Tuesday but also on Sunday, Dec. 1, which will give them two opportunities in the near future to make a serious statement to the rest of the NBA.
NEXT: 3 Cavs Players Are Questionable For Celtics Matchup
