Coming into the season, the Cavs were scorching hot, going on a 15-0 win streak, making them only one of four teams to ever do such a thing. The most recent team to ever have such a spectacular start, was their archrival super team, the 2016 Golden State Warriors. Now the Cavs have a 19-3 record and are still ranked first in the Eastern Conference. Many feel that the Cavs are for real this season, and that fact has brought this community together.
Former NBA player and champion, Shaquille O’Neal says in a post shared by the NBA on TNT, “I like them [Cleveland] to beat Boston in the ECF and possibly become champions.”
Based on some observations, the team shows promise in its young stars, scrappiness, and chemistry. Watching them, it’s almost like they instinctively know what one another is thinking of doing next.
Some standout stats include Donovan Mitchell’s 24 points per game, Darius Garland’s six assists per game, and Jarrett Allen’s insane 70 percent field goal percentage on 14 points per game. Also, the Cavs three point shooting has been amongst the best in the league with Ty Jerome, Caris LeVert, and Isaac Okoro all being in the top 10 of three point percentage.
This winning and shooting is a result of the Cavs new head coach, Kenny Atkinson. whose focus is on 3s and pace of play with the Cavs are helping them rank first in points per game and second in offensive efficiency.
Students and staff at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School weigh in their thoughts and have their opinions about the team’s prowess.
Senior Ethan Schlauch, believes that the team is doing well, and winning is all that matters. He believes the Cavs have a possibility as a serious contender. He states, “When I looked at their record, a lot of the teams they beat weren’t very good.”
Schlauch believes that time turned the team around, because when the Cavs lost LeBron, they had to relearn how to play, leading to this roster being, “All around better.”
Compared to the 2016 team, Schlauch states, “It’s not as good, it doesn’t have that one guy that makes it stand out.”
He first became a Cavs fan during the 2015-16 season because that is when LeBron won the title and everyone was tuning in.
Also, Colin Kern, senior at Brecksville says, “I became a Cavs fan by family, I was born into the fandom.”
This shows how long and dedicated the Brecksville community has been fans of the Cavs and seeing them dominant is important to the community. Furthermore, Kern adds, “A good sports team affects me by bringing high emotions into my life; I enjoy the adrenaline rushes.”
Max Taylor, another senior at Brecksville says, “A good sports team makes the games more entertaining and enjoyable to watch.“
Also, the games bring the community together with Taylor adding, “I talk to my friends and family about the Cavs because we are all fans.” Sports is bigger than the team, with a whole state tuned in and emotionally dependent on the team’s success.
This is why the Cavs deserve credit with them being the best team in the NBA as of December 12th. The city cand rally behind a good squad and latch on to the team’s stars to watch and enjoy night in and night out.
When talking about their favorite players, both Kern and Taylor favor Donovan Mitchell. This comes as no surprise because he is the team’s star player and leading scorer.
The Cavaliers acquired their star player in a blockbuster trade, sending talents like Lauri Markkanen and Colin Sexton, along with several other first round picks.
NBA writer Kurt Herlin says, “This was a bold move by the Cavaliers — and a smart one both because they can afford it, and because 25-year-old Mitchell doesn’t change the timeline of this young core,” (NBC Sports, Helin).
The Cavs are a team of four stars and the rest are key role players, but not quite as good as the core four. These four consist of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were top five draft picks in their classes, with Garland going fifth overall in 2019, and Mobley going third overall in 2021.
Both players have developed to meet the Cavs expectations and Garland being the facilitating and commanding guard this team needed him to be alongside Mitchell. And, Mobley put it all together this year, scoring 41 points against the Charlotte Hornets, being a workhorse on defense and really developing his three point shot.
Jarrett Allen however was acquired via a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In which we gave up Dante Exum and a first round pick. This was a win as Allen has been a great starting center since he’s arrived here in Cleveland.
This along with the Mitchell trade are two key ways the Cavaliers were able to rebound after the departure of the great LeBron James back in 2018.
Only time will tell if the Cavs can continue their historic season, and if they can fulfill their dreams of becoming NBA champions.
