As the Cleveland Cavaliers march through the early stages of the 2024-2025 NBA season with an undefeated 15-0 record, the league is beginning to take serious notice.
Their dominance, which has defied expectations, can be attributed to a meticulously crafted offseason plan spearheaded by head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers’ explosive start is no fluke, and it’s clear that Atkinson’s vision—coupled with a roster of hungry, selfless players—has given the Cavs the firepower to compete with the league’s elite.
The Cavaliers’ thrilling victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night served as a microcosm of their current dominance. With just two minutes left, Caris LeVert hit a dagger 3-pointer, seemingly sealing the win. But in a stunning display of offensive efficiency, the Cavs ran up the score with a furious 13-0 run in the final 80 seconds, a testament to the system Atkinson has instilled. Cleveland didn’t just win—they imposed their will, and the game was decided long before the buzzer sounded.
This playstyle is not just about scoring points; it’s part of a larger strategy that extends to every facet of the game. Atkinson, with 15 years of international coaching experience, brought with him a keen understanding of how to maximize every aspect of the game, from scoring margin to tiebreakers. The NBA Cup’s group-stage games, including a key match against the Boston Celtics, were framed as an opportunity to showcase Cleveland’s commitment to an aggressive and efficient style of play.
Atkinson’s strategic approach began long before the season tipped off. His hiring followed a comprehensive search where Cleveland’s front office sought a coach who could maximize the talents of a roster that had already been significantly upgraded under president of basketball operations Koby Altman. After months of evaluating potential candidates, Atkinson was selected for his vision and his history of fostering offensive growth. From his time as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atkinson understood the importance of pace and ball movement—principles that would become the foundation of Cleveland’s system.
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Atkinson didn’t just rely on a roster of established stars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. He recognized the untapped potential in every player, from deep bench pieces like Ty Jerome and Georges Niang to rotation players like Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro. Atkinson’s philosophy is simple: “All of them can play,” and he made it clear that everyone on the roster would contribute. This depth of talent has allowed the Cavaliers to thrive without needing to overburden their top stars, keeping them fresh and ready for critical moments.
The key to the Cavaliers’ offensive success lies in their speed, ball movement, and unselfish play. Over the summer, Atkinson instilled a fast-paced, high-energy offensive system focused on quick decisions, frequent ball movement, and relentless pressure. The results speak for themselves. Cleveland ranks No. 1 in offensive efficiency, No. 7 in pace, and leads the league in 3-pointers made. The team has shown no signs of slowing down, pushing the tempo and forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations.
Another aspect of Cleveland’s offensive overhaul has been the development of Evan Mobley. After a promising start to his career as a defensive powerhouse, Mobley has taken on a larger role in the Cavaliers’ offense. Atkinson’s plan was to utilize Mobley as a playmaker, encouraging him to bring the ball up after rebounds and facilitate Cleveland’s fast-paced offense. Mobley’s growth has been evident; he’s averaging a career-high 18 points per game, and his ability to stretch the floor and create for others has made the Cavaliers even more dangerous.
Cleveland’s offense is not just about high scoring; it’s about intelligent basketball. Players like Ty Jerome, Georges Niang, and Dean Wade have embraced their roles as “connectors,” passing the ball, making smart decisions, and keeping the offense flowing. This cohesive approach has resulted in fluid ball movement that has been a joy to watch, reminiscent of the free-flowing offenses of the Golden State Warriors. As Atkinson himself notes, the team’s chemistry and unselfish play are driving forces behind their success.
A significant part of the Cavaliers’ resurgence has also been the performances of role players stepping up. Caris LeVert has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, and on Sunday, Ty Jerome erupted for a career-high 24 points in a start for the resting Mitchell. When the Cavaliers are able to get contributions from the entire roster, it makes them an even more dangerous opponent. The depth of the squad has allowed Cleveland to weather injuries, with Max Strus still sidelined due to an ankle injury, and yet the team continues to perform at a high level.
Of course, the offensive fireworks wouldn’t be possible without strong defense. The Cavaliers continue to be a top-tier defensive team, with Mobley leading the charge as one of the league’s most disruptive defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim has anchored Cleveland’s defense. Combined with the elite perimeter defense of Mitchell and Garland, the Cavaliers have built a well-rounded team that can both score efficiently and stifle opponents on the other end.
Even with their historic start, Atkinson and the Cavs are keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground. While they acknowledge their offensive success, they also recognize that maintaining this level of play over an 82-game season is no easy task. Shooting percentages may regress, but Atkinson believes that the team’s shot quality will remain high. The key to their success, he emphasizes, is not just about the numbers but about the approach—the commitment to quick decisions, unselfish play, and team-first mentality.
For Mitchell, this season is about more than just the accolades. Having been to three 50-win teams in his career without reaching the conference finals, Mitchell is focused on staying grounded and ensuring the team is prepared for the long haul. “It’s great to be part of history,” Mitchell says, “but will we be this team in January, February, March, and April? That’s been my message.”
As the season progresses, the Cleveland Cavaliers are more than just an early-season story. They are a force to be reckoned with, with a carefully crafted plan and a roster that has bought into the vision. If they can maintain their high level of play, the Cavaliers will not only make a deep playoff run but could very well be the team to watch come postseason time.
Key Takeaways:
- Cleveland Cavaliers’ early dominance is the result of a meticulous offseason plan by head coach Kenny Atkinson.
- Atkinson’s philosophy of speed, ball movement, and depth has transformed Cleveland into a top offensive team.
- Evan Mobley’s expanded role as a playmaker has been a key part of the team’s success.
- The Cavaliers’ depth, unselfish play, and defensive strength make them a legitimate championship contender.