CLEVELAND — The atmosphere on the court was buzzing, and both the playing surface and the game ball exhibited a sense of excitement, but the Cleveland Cavaliers remained steady and undefeated. On Friday night, they captured their 14th consecutive victory, defeating the Chicago Bulls 144-126 in the NBA Cup opener, further highlighting the chemistry and performance levels of this impressive team.
Post-game, players Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen commemorated their achievement by dancing on the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse floor alongside a large green frog, which has unexpectedly become a mascot during this thrilling start to the season. “It’s Cleveland,” Allen remarked, attempting to explain the amphibian’s sudden presence. “There’s just a vibrant energy in the city, and I hope it stays that way.”
Even in the absence of starter Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers made history by becoming the sixth team to begin a season with a 14-game winning streak, a feat not seen since the Golden State Warriors started their 2015-16 campaign with 24 consecutive wins and ultimately finished with a record of 73-9.
This current success has never before been matched by a Cavaliers squad, making the ongoing record streak remarkable. This 14-game run is the longest in the franchise’s history, surpassing the previous highs of three separate 13-game streaks that included LeBron James. First-year head coach Kenny Atkinson has effectively managed his roster, utilizing deep rotations throughout each game, while implementing strategies that have led to this historic performance.
Atkinson, who previously served on the Golden State coaching staff after a successful tenure in Brooklyn, now holds the record for the longest winning streak for a coach taking the reins of a new team. He previously shared this distinction with Lawrence Frank, who led the Nets to a 13-game streak in 2004.
Despite taking over a squad that had advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals under former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Atkinson has enhanced the team’s performance with a dynamic offensive approach centered around spacing, three-point shooting, and fluid ball movement.
“From day one, I recognized that this team enjoys playing together,” Atkinson stated. “We have exceptional passers, and we excel at making quick decisions about where to move the ball.” This camaraderie and selfless play have been evident throughout the team’s games. After a recent match against Golden State, Warriors forward Draymond Green acknowledged that the Cavs displayed superior ball movement compared to any team he had previously encountered, including during his championship runs.
Atkinson is keen to maintain intensity and focus; following a first half where the Cavs allowed 73 points, he expressed his frustration in the locker room. “That’s what we strive for,” Mitchell shared, demonstrating the team’s collective commitment to continual improvement. “We hear all the accolades, but finding ways to bolster our habits is crucial. We must keep pushing hard and avoid any letdowns.”
The Cavaliers’ season has been flawless thus far, aided significantly by the efforts of Mitchell. He turned in a season-best performance, scoring 37 points, including 18 in the final quarter. The Bulls were just four points behind with three minutes to go when the Cavaliers unleashed a decisive scoring surge. Mitchell and substitute Caris LeVert both landed pivotal three-pointers to finish the game, adding a dramatic 21-7 run. A victory on Sunday would elevate them into an elite class, as only four teams have commenced a season with a 15-0 record.
During a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, Mitchell recognized his team’s need for offensive firepower and promptly scored the first nine points for Cleveland. Atkinson remarked, “That was all him. He has an instinct for what the team requires at the moment—it could be him or another teammate stepping up, showcasing his basketball intelligence and awareness on the court.”
Mitchell had high hopes for the team when he signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension over the summer, confident in the city and the promising young roster. The current winning streak—and possibly even the presence of the frog outside the arena—came as a surprise to him. “That was fun,” he stated about the unexpected mascot. “I was astonished to see it; it was pretty cool. It perfectly captured the vibe here.”
With this momentum, the Cavs are eager to sustain their success for the long haul.
