The Cleveland Cavaliers have blazed their way to a 13-0 start, and the question is whether they have become true championship contenders or are simply scorching to start the new season.
They are much improved offensively under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, and they’re continuing to be solid on the defensive end.
Some still don’t believe the Cavs are an elite team, but one ESPN analyst feels everyone should start to pay some serious attention to them.
“It’s at the point now, though, the number has reached a level that people are starting to take notice, obviously, as they should, 13-0 to start the year,” Tim Legler said, via Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.
ESPN NBA analyst @LegsESPN is INCREDIBLY high on the #Cavs right now 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZkcR5A91oV
— Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show (@ultCLEsports) November 15, 2024
Legler said that one key to Cleveland’s success is the fact that it’s a well-rounded team and isn’t beating teams by relying heavily on one facet of the game.
Over the past couple of seasons, the Cavs have been a very strong defensive team, but this season, they’re also winning with offense.
Coming into their game against the Chicago Bulls, they’re leading the NBA in points per game, overall shooting percentage and 3-point accuracy, and they’re second in offensive rating.
Starting point guard Darius Garland is rebounding from what many saw as a down season and is averaging 20.5 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 53.4 percent from the field and 44.9 percent from 3-point range.
After playing the Bulls and then the Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland will visit the Boston Celtics, the defending NBA champions, in what will be a major statement game.
A victory there, as Legler said, would force people to give the Cavaliers some serious attention and perhaps consider them true title contenders.
NEXT: Browns Star Reveals His Thoughts On Cavs' 13-0 Start
