The Cleveland Cavaliers’ sensational 13-0 start to the 2024-25 NBA season has been one of the biggest surprises of the year, with the team quickly earning respect across the league.
However, as the Cavaliers continue their dominant streak, star guard Donovan Mitchell has been steadfast in keeping his teammates grounded, delivering a powerful message that the road to success is long and fraught with challenges.
Mitchell’s leadership is on full display as he steers Cleveland through what has been an extraordinary beginning to the campaign. After their latest victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Mitchell made it clear that the Cavaliers’ historic start, while impressive, is not something to celebrate prematurely. Despite a less-than-typical performance from Mitchell—who had a quiet night by his own high standards—his teammates stepped up, with Darius Garland taking over to seal the win. The Cavaliers have demonstrated exceptional team chemistry, and Mitchell credits much of their success to staying mentally focused and avoiding complacency.
“That’s what we want. At the end of the day, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Mitchell said following the game, setting the tone for what is sure to be a grueling season ahead. His words echoed the mindset of a team that understands the challenges of remaining at the top. “But to be the best, which we’re trying to remain, we have to show up every night. It’s a mental game. How far do you want to go? Do you want to be satisfied? We’re the hunters now, but it’s only November,” he added, urging his teammates to stay focused on the larger goal.
Mitchell’s message is a timely reminder for both fans and players that the Cavaliers’ current 13-0 record is just a number, not a destination. He’s made it clear that they are not looking to bask in the early-season success but instead focus on building consistent habits that will carry them throughout the long grind of the regular season. “I keep telling everyone to relax. It’s November; we’re not winning a championship yet,” Mitchell said, putting the hot start into perspective. “But these games are good tests. The fact that we’re 13-0 is great, but what matters is building habits against teams that are coming at us with their best every night.”
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While Mitchell’s message has been one of humility and patience, it’s hard to ignore the historical significance of the Cavaliers’ 13-0 record. With their win over the 76ers, the Cavaliers have now entered the conversation among the NBA’s longest winning streaks. At 13-0, the team has climbed to the sixth spot on the list of the longest winning streaks in NBA history, just two wins away from cracking the top five.
Currently, the longest winning streaks in NBA history are as follows:
- Golden State Warriors – 24 games (2015-16)
- Houston Rockets – 15 games
- Washington Capitols – 15 games
- Dallas Mavericks – 14 games
- Boston Celtics – 14 games
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 13 games
With their next game set against the Charlotte Hornets, the Cavaliers have a chance to further cement their place in NBA history. For Mitchell and the Cavs, however, the focus remains firmly on the present. As the streak continues, the team knows that the real work lies ahead, and maintaining focus is key.
In addition to keeping his teammates grounded, Mitchell took the opportunity to address a controversial moment from the game against the 76ers. In his pursuit of his first career triple-double, Mitchell made a late-game play that could have jeopardized the Cavaliers’ victory. As the team was closing in on the win, Mitchell chased a personal milestone rather than sealing the game in a more decisive manner.
“To the fans, I’m sorry. I should have closed the game out earlier,” Mitchell admitted after the game. “That was a selfish moment.” The candid admission came as a surprise to many, especially given the intensity of the moment. Mitchell took full accountability for his actions, acknowledging that his desire for a triple-double nearly cost his team the win. “I’m not going to lie—that’s exactly what happened. I almost cost us the game chasing something personal. That was selfish, and it won’t happen again. I apologize.”
Mitchell’s honesty and willingness to own up to his mistake were met with widespread support from fans, many of whom took to social media to praise his accountability. His openness about the situation only further solidifies his reputation as a leader in the locker room. Mitchell understands that personal accolades should never come before the team’s success, and his self-awareness is a crucial part of his leadership style.
As the Cavaliers’ hot start continues, Mitchell’s approach to the season is a mixture of confidence, humility, and strategic focus. While the team’s 13-0 record is impressive, Mitchell’s message is clear: there is still much work to be done. He wants his teammates to remain hungry and focused, recognizing that the real test lies ahead as teams begin to target them as one of the league’s top contenders.
The Cavaliers have already exceeded expectations with their scorching start, but it is Mitchell’s leadership and mindset that will determine how far they can go. His ability to keep the team grounded despite the early success will be essential as Cleveland looks to maintain its momentum through a grueling 82-game season. As the team’s leader, Mitchell has shown that while victories are important, the bigger goal is to build a championship-contending team, one game and one habit at a time.
With the Cavaliers continuing to make headlines and climb the standings, Mitchell’s leadership will be tested as the competition gets tougher. But with his message of focus and team-first mentality, Cleveland is poised to remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league, no matter how long their winning streak lasts.