Since the 2024-25 NBA season started, some observers have mentioned that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been lucky to have such an easy schedule.
Yet, 34 games have gone by, and the Cavs continue to win.
Notably, it’s not a fluke or a coincidence. It’s the byproduct of efficient basketball.
That was put on full display in a graphic shared by Kirk Goldsberry of The Ringer on X.
It shows that the Cavaliers are the best team in the NBA because they have the No. 1 offense and the No. 9 defense.
The Efficiency Landscape. What Jumps Out? pic.twitter.com/9OuAQo1Myj
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) January 3, 2025
The Cavaliers kept the defensive prowess they built under former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff but have added more layers to their offense under new coach Kenny Atkinson.
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, who have never been known for being elite stoppers, are playing harder on the defensive end of the floor, and they’re not being hidden in that regard anymore.
The offense, however, has been this team’s calling card.
Atkinson took what he did as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors and adapted it to his new roster, and it’s worked like clockwork.
The ball keeps moving from one player to the next, and the team is patient enough to ensure it gets the best possible look at the rim before taking a shot.
As a result, the Cavs have the highest field goal percentage in the league, the highest 3-point field goal percentage, and they score the second-most points per game.
They’re on pace to win 72 games this season, and even if that’s not the case, they should continue to be the best team in the league if they keep this up.
NEXT: Darius Garland Made Franchise History On Friday
