The Cleveland Cavaliers were a defensive-minded team with J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm.
With an offensive-driven coach like Kenny Atkinson leading the way, the team has taken a significant step forward on the other end of the floor.
As CavsMuse on X pointed out, the Cavaliers have been on an absolute offensive tear this season.
They currently rank No. 1 in points per game (123.5), field goal percentage (52.2%), three-point percentage (41.6%), offensive rating (123.0), and net rating (11.7).
They also rank No. 6 in assists per game (28.5) and No. 8 in steals per game (9.1).
Cavs team rankings through November 22nd:
Points Per Game: 123.5 (1st in NBA)
Field Goal Percentage: 52.2% (1st)
3-Point Percentage: 41.6% (1st)
Assists Per Game: 28.5 (6th)
Steals Per Game: 9.1 (8th)
Offensive Rating: 123.0 (1st)
Net Rating: 11.7 (1st)#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/GEJ5InB75a— CavsMuse (16-1) (@CavsMuse) November 23, 2024
The Cavs have won 16 of their first 17 games.
Their only loss came at the hands of the defending NBA champions by a single possession, and the game was on the road.
Of course, expecting that pace for the rest of the season might be setting the fans up for disappointment, but this team has proven that, when healthy, they can hold their own like the best of them.
Kenny Atkinson seems to be just what this team needed.
Even though they barely made any moves during the offseason, they’re playing like an entirely different group right now.
The coaching staff deserves credit for instilling confidence in this team’s core.
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley look like two different players, and while their numbers aren’t all that different, their aggressiveness and determination to keep pushing are remarkable.
This team got off to a great start, and there’s no reason to believe it was a fluke.
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