The Boston Celtics are not alone in the Eastern Conference proclaiming undefeated status. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also unblemished, with four wins and zero losses, mirroring Boston’s record. This is the best start the Cavaliers have had since the 2016-17 season. That same year, LeBron James led the Cavs to the finals. Are the 2024-25 Cavaliers on that same trajectory? Senior NBA Insider Brian Windhorst went on ESPN Cleveland’s radio show this week to point out what the Cavs are doing so well right now and how they’ve started the season.
NBA Insider Raves About That Other Undefeated Eastern Team
Senior NBA Insider Brian Windhorst Impressed With All Things Cavaliers
Cleveland received a breath of fresh air when Donovan Mitchell chose to stay in The Land on a 3-year extension deal agreed upon in July. The Cavaliers had gone four seasons between superstars. James departed in 2018, and Mitchell was dealt by the Utah Jazz to Cleveland in 2022 in a trade featuring Lauri Markkanen. Toward the end of last season’s stretch, and continuing shortly after the Cavaliers bounced out of the playoffs, Mitchell’s status in Cleveland was under much speculation. This was until he signed that extension. Fast forward to four games into the new season, the Cavaliers are playing spectacular basketball, with significant contributions coming from all sides.
Windhorst appeared on ESPN Cleveland’s radio show following the Cavs Monday win over the New York Knicks. When asked about Cleveland’s great start to the season, Windy attributed their success to a few big names while raving about the team overall.
“…Darius Garland playing like a max player, I mean, that’s the kind of player that he is and can be, Donovan Mitchell, being in New York, his hometown, but understanding the flow of the game. He had a good game any, but he moved out of the way and let Garland cook, and Garland wanted it and took it, and was great.” Windhorst continued, “Evan Mobley, just about every time he touches the ball on offense right now, he looks to have an aggressive move, whether thats a dribble or a drive. I think the whole team just in general, their aggression on offense is so much better. I literally liked everything about it.
The Cavaliers are expected to follow up last season’s play-off contention status again this year. However, this season’s version has so far looked entirely different than last. Windhorst aptly pointed out that the Cavaliers roster contribution and offensive aggression have improved, which has changed how they play. The coaching addition of Kenny Atkinson has most certainly played a role as well.
Can This Season’s Mitchell & Garland Duo Lead the Cavs Deep?
Mitchell and Darius Garland are averaging 23.8 and 19.2 points, respectively, in four games. However, the overall team looks different and more offensively threatening. The Cavaliers lost in five games to the eventual champions, the Celtics, last season. Both teams currently sit tied atop the Eastern Conference standings. Of course, their records will shift and sway as the season progresses. However, if Cleveland can keep this up—the way they’re playing now—the way Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Garland are playing now, why shouldn’t they maintain a top seed from here on out? It will be challenging to surpass Boston. The chances of any team, much less Cleveland, surpassing Boston appear slim at best.
The Cavaliers success will come down to Mitchell, though. Considering his reflection earlier this summer on rings, accolades, and legacy, he has all the motivation in the world. The Cavaliers are no joke, and they deserve attention right now as they continue an excellent start to the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
