BY: ROSER CUNANAN – SPORTS ON AIR USA CORRESPONDENT
12-13-2024
CLEVELAND — Having already played more than a quarter of this season’s 82-game schedule, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain on top of the field with a 21-4 record, ahead of both the Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder, who share identical records of 19-5.
The 84 percent success may shock NBA followers, but it’s no surprise to the Cavs fan base, which has witnessed the return of the same core of players that gave the Celtics a good fight during last April’s NBA playoffs.
Figuring out how they’ve stayed on top after a bullish 15-0 start isn’t rocket science. The Cavs have excelled by mixing a blend of sharp defense and explosive offense.
Through 25 games, Cleveland averages 121.4 points per game while limiting their opponents to 111.5 points per. The team’s ability to score and defend has allowed them to flourish this time. The Cavs are No.1in the NBA in net offensive rating at No.8 in defensive rating at plus 9.9 points a contest.
Having All-Stars in a star-driven league is essential to success, and the Cavs certainly have their share of elite weapons.
Donovan Mitchell is the undisputed leader in this merry band of balling brothers, averaging 23.7 points per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3.
Despite being lured by several teams league-wide during the off-season, Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension to stay in Cleveland.
“He is our leader. He is a top ten player in the league,” said teammate Jarrett Allen who is manning the middle for Cleveland with 13.4 points and 10.4 rebounds a contest.
Sidelined for 27 games last season due to injuries, Mitchell has played all but one of the Cavs’ assignments at this point of the 2024-25 season thus far.
With a full complement of great players around him –Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and the returning Max Strus — the Cavaliers can go really far in the playoffs with a healthy Mitchell.
