The Cleveland Cavaliers will face a big test on Wednesday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the best record in the Western Conference.
The Cavs have the NBA’s best record at 31-4, and this could therefore be a preview of this summer’s NBA Finals.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson said he’s looking forward to this matchup because it will be a measuring stick game that his team can build on moving forward, per Daryl Ruiter.
#Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson on why he’s looking forward to tonight’s game vs #Thunder #NBA pic.twitter.com/PtVWwxmxSD
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) January 8, 2025
This will be a battle between arguably the NBA’s best offensive team in the Cavs, who are first in offensive rating and second in points per game, and the league’s top defense in terms of defensive rating in Oklahoma City.
The Cavs are on a 10-game winning streak, and they already defeated the defending world champion Boston Celtics earlier this season.
While many feel Cleveland has become legitimate championship contenders, there seem to be some who doubt whether the team can defeat Boston, Oklahoma City, or the New York Knicks come playoff time.
Atkinson, who is in his first season as Cleveland’s head coach, has taken them from fair or middling on offense to an outstanding juggernaut, and many of his players have benefitted.
In particular, starting power forward Evan Mobley has upped his scoring average to 18.8 points a game from 15.7 points per game last season.
The Cavs have remained a strong defensive team this season, and therefore a win over Oklahoma City, either tonight or on Jan. 16, would certainly earn them lots of respect across the league.
NEXT: Insider Reveals How Cavs Can Beat The Thunder
