As one of two undefeated teams remaining, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to have figured out the fruits of success. They are demolishing the league in nearly every way possible on both sides of the ball. None of their seven opponents have figured out their strategy, adding to the type of season Cleveland is having thus far.
The on-court success falls directly on the shoulders of the players. Star duo Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are thriving on another level, while the ‘twin tower’ front-court of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are ruling the paint.
However, the difference between the team’s issues last season and now correlates to the game plan off the court. The newest head coach in Cleveland, Kenny Atkinson, has schemed a different style of basketball, and it is showing up in the win-loss column.
A different head coach is all Cleveland needed to compete legitimately in the Eastern Conference.
With teams like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks roaming, fans did not expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to burst out of the gate with a perfect record. They did not make any significant adjustments over the summer, and their struggles seemed to have rested within the contributions of their players.
Moreover, it turns out a different coaching style is all Cleveland needed to push for an appearance in the NBA Finals. The staff, as a whole, is doing a wonderful job, but Atkinson, in particular, is demonstrating how much work he put in the offseason.
Atkinson thoroughly analyzed the playing style of Garland and developed an offensive scheme that revolved around his ability to operate as the point guard. This means an increase in pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement, ultimately leading Mitchell to score effectively at all three levels.
Seven wins into the year, Cleveland is proving this change to be sustainable. They are in the top five in points scored and allowed, with four veterans who will be considered for the all-star team. This is more than enough to make the Cavaliers a dark horse pick to win the championship in 2025.
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