CLEVELAND — Kenny Atkinson couldn’t hide his enthusiasm as he reviewed the game statistics and reflected on the impressive record of his Cleveland Cavaliers.
This marks Atkinson’s debut season as head coach, and it has unfolded without a hitch. “Starting 10-0 is quite remarkable. It’s a sort of magic number, isn’t it?” Atkinson remarked. “Tonight’s matchup made me nervous because we were up against the reigning champions, the Warriors. I was taken aback by how primed and motivated we were. Achieving a 10-0 start means a lot for our squad.”
In a standout performance, Darius Garland netted 27 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 23, leading the Cavaliers to a decisive 136-117 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. With this win, Cleveland became the first team in NBA history to clinch the first 10 games of a season while scoring at least 110 points in each outing.
Atkinson’s dynamic offensive approach has integrated seamlessly into the team’s play style. The Cavaliers now lead the league with an impressive average of 124.5 points per game alongside a .526 shooting percentage. Last season, under former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cavaliers recorded an average of 112.6 points with a .479 shooting percentage, all while keeping their core roster intact. They faced the eventual NBA champions in Boston during the postseason.
General manager Koby Altman made the pivotal move of hiring Atkinson, previously an assistant with the Warriors for three years under Steve Kerr, to lead the team. “Securing this role was a tremendous opportunity, much like it was for me a decade ago, and it suits Kenny perfectly,” Kerr expressed. “The continuity was already there; the team was performing exceptionally well last year, and Kenny has introduced his expertise to further enhance it.”
Atkinson’s fast-paced style quickly resonated with Donovan Mitchell, the franchise’s All-Star shooting guard. Having coached current Cavaliers players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert during his time in Brooklyn, the transition to Cleveland has proven to be smoother.
The effective use of the Cavaliers’ bench has also contributed to this historic start. Ten players are averaging at least 15 minutes per game, yet none are exceeding 30 minutes, allowing for balance and depth throughout the lineup. “We’re moving quickly and playing the right way,” stated Ty Jerome, the backup guard who recorded a season-high of 20 points against Golden State. “Everyone is contributing and enjoying the game. The selflessness shown by Donovan and Darius has made this style of play possible.”
The Cavaliers managed to build an impressive 41-point lead by halftime, with a score of 83-42, tying for the eighth-largest halftime lead in the NBA’s shot clock history. They also matched their own franchise record for points in a half. However, several players acknowledged that they have yet to fully tap into their potential.
Cleveland has outperformed its opponents in shooting stats for each game, but has only emerged victorious in rebounding contests four times. The Cavaliers also faced some struggles with ball control, committing 19 turnovers that allowed the Warriors to score 30 points off those mistakes. “We have a considerable journey ahead of us and numerous areas that need improvement, which is a positive sign,” noted Allen. “We are aware that we have the ability to elevate our game, and we are committed to working until we reach that next level. Kenny is among the finest coaches in the league, and that’s becoming increasingly evident.”
