To the surprise of many, the Cleveland Cavaliers have begun the 2024-25 season 4-0. Their start to the season is impressive, especially considering they scored at least 135 points in two of those games. Additionally, on Monday, they defeated the New York Knicks by a score of 110-104 on the road. Heading into the year, many overlooked Cleveland as a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. However, thanks to their core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers look like an elite team right off the bat. As it stands, they are one of three teams who are still undefeated. Only the Boston Celtics (4-0) and Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) remain undefeated as well.
After their second-round playoff loss to the Celtics last season, many Cavaliers players popped up in rumors for the wrong reasons. Every one of their key players was in trade rumors, and there were additional rumors that Mitchell and Garland specifically did not want to play next to each other. However, these rumors have been put to bed, especially after Mitchell’s recent comments.
Donovan Mitchell Reveals He Is ‘Happy for’ Darius Garland
Donovan Mitchell’s Comments On Darius Garland
After the Cavaliers’ victory against the Knicks, Mitchell spoke about his backcourt partner. The former Utah Jazz star reflected on the rumors and said he is “happy for” Garland amidst his success to begin the season.
“I’m happy for him because he went through a lot of BS last year,” Mitchell said of Garland. “You have to learn from it, and you have to grow. Sometimes it’s going to suck, and I think he felt that. It’s a four-game sample but I have no doubt that’s who he is going to be for us this season. That’s who he was when he was drafted. That’s who he was when he was an All-Star. I know what type of player he is. I know we can fit together. You’re seeing it.”
Through the first four games, Garland is averaging 19.3 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 steals. Additionally, though it is a small sample size, he is shooting 54.7% from the floor and 50% from the three-point line. The one-time All-Star has proven that he is a major part of the Cavaliers’ success. Next to Mitchell, the two of them make up one of the most intriguing backcourt duos in the NBA.
The Last Word
There was never any denying that the Cavaliers had a good team this season. However, very few would have predicted this start for them. In their first year with Kenny Atkinson as their head coach, Cleveland looks like one of the best teams in the league. Through four games, they rank in the top four of ORTG (123.2/second in NBA), DRTG (106.5/fourth in NBA), and Net Rating (+16.7/third in NBA). The Cavaliers are one of the most balanced and well-rounded teams in the league. It remains to be seen how long they can keep this hot streak going. However, their 4-0 start is an impressive achievement nonetheless. Many have discussed the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers as the main threats to the Celtics in the East. However, a week into the season, the Cavaliers are making a statement of their own.
