The Cleveland Cavaliers have established the best start in franchise history with a 9-0 record, and if they aren’t true championship contenders, they have at least taken a step closer to becoming just that.
They have not only blown out multiple opponents, but they have also come back from multiple deficits, including in their last game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
Donovan Mitchell, their dynamic star guard, says that when the Cavs are behind, they return to their fundamentals, per Camryn Justice.
“Just get back to what we do. Understand that it’s the simple things..sometimes you kind of get out of sorts, get out of whack..but just continue to get back to our style of play”
Asked #Cavs Donovan Mitchell about the mindset when they're in tight games or off to slower starts.
“Just get back to what we do. Understand that it's the simple things..sometimes you kind of get out of sorts, get out of whack..but just continue to get back to our style of play" pic.twitter.com/CZnEyb34RI
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 8, 2024
In the past, Cleveland was a middling team on offense, but so far this season, they have morphed into an outstanding offensive unit.
They rank first in points per game, field-goal percentage and offensive rating and second in 3-point percentage, and they’re playing at a much faster pace, resulting in them being third in fast-break points per game.
Big man Evan Mobley, who is now in his fourth NBA season, might be taking a step forward offensively, and starting point guard Darius Garland appears to be bouncing back after a bit of a subpar 2023-24 campaign.
Still, the Cavs are continuing to excel on the defensive end, which was their calling card the last year or two.
They’re ninth in defensive rating, and they have allowed 110 points or fewer in five of their nine games.
On Friday, they will host the Golden State Warriors, who are 7-1 and just defeated the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, and it will be an excellent measuring stick game for them.
NEXT: Cavs, Warriors Will Wear Special Uniforms On Friday
