Credit: CNN
How Long Can The Cavs Keep Their Streak Going?
Published: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
by Darren Worrell
There is no doubt that few people within the NBA, or basketball fans worldwide, could have predicted this kind of start from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After 12 games, the Cavs remain undefeated and boast a 12-0 record that has quickly become the talk of the league. This impressive run not only marks the Cavaliers’ best season start in franchise history, but also places them in elite company; they now become just the eighth team in NBA history to begin a season with 12 consecutive wins.
What is driving this remarkable performance? The Cavs’ early-season success is rooted in a combination of airtight defense and selfless ball movement. Additionally, the emergence of standout players like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Ty Jerome are stepping up when it counts.
Their defense has been a force to be reckoned with, frustrating even the league’s best offenses. Offensively, they are running an efficient system where each player knows their role, sharing the ball and creating opportunities both inside and out. With young talents rising to the occasion and veterans providing steady leadership, Cleveland has carved out an identity as a tenacious and cohesive team.
To understand what is possible, we can look back to the 2015-2016 season when the Golden State Warriors set the record for the longest win streak to start a season. Led by superstars like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala, they went on a historic 24-game winning streak.
Today, the Cavaliers find themselves halfway to that record. If they win their next game, they will become just the sixth team to reach a 13-0 start.
Examining their upcoming schedule, the Cavs have a real shot at continuing this streak. Their next three games are against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Chicago Bulls, and the Charlotte Hornets. The 76ers, a typically tough matchup, are without Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid has missed the season’s first 12 games. You would think that he would sit out that matchup to play in the NBA Cup group stage, since he said he is trying to stay away from back-to-backs this season.
The following game is against the Bulls, who gave Cleveland a tough contest recently but are still expected to fall short in the rematch. The Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball, have won previous season matchups, but many believe that was due to Donovan Mitchell’s absence. With Mitchell back in the lineup, this is another game the Cavs are favored to win.
Looking further down the road, their 16th game presents a major test, going up against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. The Cavs and Celtics have been evenly matched in recent years, with each team winning five games apiece. If the Cavs can get past Boston, they will face the injury-ridden Raptors, the shaky 4-7 Hawks, and the Pelicans who are also battling frequent injury issues. The final stretch to 24 wins would include the Celtics again, the Wizards, the Hornets, and the Nuggets, setting up a potential historic 25th win against the Miami Heat on the road.
While surpassing the 25-win streak would be a landmark achievement for the Cavs, it is worth remembering that the NBA is full of unpredictable challenges; even “easy” games can surprise on any given night. That is the beauty of competing in a league with the world’s top talent. The Cavs’ journey to 12 straight wins has not been without its challenges, as they have showed resilience rallying back in many of these games to win.
Currently, the team is healthy, cohesive, and playing with confidence; they have every reason to aim for the stars. The question remains: how long can they keep this streak alive? Their upcoming schedule includes tough matchups, as highlighted, and seasoned contenders eager to test Cleveland’s resilience.
But if the Cavs can maintain their disciplined play, defensive intensity, and offensive execution, they may just extend this streak even further, sending a resounding message to the NBA and basketball fans everywhere. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ journey is a reminder that sometimes, the unexpected can become a reality.
Darren Worrell can be reached at darren.worrell@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,