The Cleveland Cavaliers look like an entirely different team this season.
Kenny Atkinson has revitalized some of their players, turning their offense into the most proficient in the league.
Notably, a lot of that has had to do with Darius Garland.
While his numbers aren’t eye-popping, his scoring has been way more aggressive, efficient, and timely this season.
That’s why seeing him top the 6,000-point plateau in the win over the Toronto Raptors was so refreshing.
6,000 in six years for 🔟. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Vp1twBmeQf
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 25, 2024
The former lottery pick could’ve and should’ve reached that mark faster if it wasn’t for the injuries, but they also reminded him of how far he’s come to this point.
He’s having the best year of his career and playing like an All-Star starter.
Currently, he’s averaging 20.3 points per game, just two more than his career average.
He’s shooting almost 49% from the floor, 44% from beyond the arc, and 94% from the charity stripe.
Just a few months ago, some fans urged the team to break up its backcourt and find a new home for Garland.
There wasn’t anything wrong with him, but there were major doubts about whether he could coexist on the court with Donovan Mitchell.
Fortunately, the front office shut down all the outside noise and kept doubling down on their commitment to this roster.
It was a risky gamble, but one that’s clearly paying off.
The Cavaliers have the best record in the league after 18 games, and they haven’t looked this sharp since LeBron James’ second tenure with the organization.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Reveals His Thoughts About Win Over Raptors
