CLEVELAND — During the training camp, Kenny Atkinson set ambitious targets for the Cleveland Cavaliers, aiming for a 50-win season and securing a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference. Yet, the Cavaliers have exceeded these objectives, aspiring now for a potentially deep championship run.
The Cavaliers clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference after a convincing 135-113 win over the Chicago Bulls. This marks the fourth instance in franchise history that they enter the playoffs as the conference leaders, last achieved in 2016 when they secured their first NBA title, ending Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought in professional sports.
“We should cherish these moments,” remarked Atkinson. “Being the top seed is no small feat. We remain driven for greater milestones.” Under Atkinson, the Cavaliers have transformed, following a 48-34 campaign last season that ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston. Atkinson took over from J.B. Bickerstaff after his dismissal, leading the Cavs to a historically robust start. They became the fourth team in NBA history to notch at least 15 consecutive wins initially and the third to sustain three separate 12-win streaks, with a noteworthy 16-game win spree from February to March.
Despite a setback losing four games post their franchise-record winning streak, the team bounced back by winning seven out of their last ten games. Now standing at 63-16, if Cleveland triumphs in their remaining three matchups, they will tie the franchise’s record for most wins in a season. “We started strong and had some setbacks, but I’m proud of how the players persevered,” Atkinson noted.
With the top seed secured, Atkinson and his coaching staff are strategizing for the remainder of the regular season, preparing for the postseason. The Cavaliers have upcoming road games against Indiana and New York, followed by a home finale against the Pacers. The team faces a delicate balance between ensuring players are at their best for the playoffs and allowing for some rest given their secure position.
“There are multiple strategies to consider,” Atkinson explained. “It involves collaboration, including player perspectives. We can use intrasquad scrimmages or various activities to stay sharp.” Guard Ty Jerome acknowledged that many teams share a similar scenario as the playoffs approach, benefitting from the week’s rest to regain fitness and conduct thorough practice sessions otherwise unavailable since the All-Star break.
Atkinson is considering resting star guard Donovan Mitchell for the rest of the season due to a sprained left ankle sustained last Sunday. While Mitchell, who averages 24 points, will influence this decision, Atkinson leans toward resting him for caution. Without Mitchell, Darius Garland revitalized his form, scoring 28 points, overcoming a recent shooting slump. Garland emphasized the need to keep performing at their best, given their status as the top seed, pointing out, “We are now the hunted. We must continually deliver against any opponent, which elevates our intensity.”