Kenny Atkinson couldn’t contain his excitement as he reviewed the box score showing the outstanding performance of his Cleveland Cavaliers. In his first season as head coach, the team has achieved a flawless 10-0 record, marking a historic milestone in NBA history.
“10-0 is something special. It’s like magic,” Atkinson expressed with a smile. “I was a bit concerned about tonight’s game against the reigning champions, the Warriors. But the team showed incredible readiness and hunger. Achieving 10-0 is a remarkable feat for us.”
The Cavaliers dominated the Golden State Warriors with a final score of 136-117, led by Darius Garland’s 27 points and Evan Mobley’s 23 points. This victory not only secured their perfect 10-0 start but also set a record as the first team in NBA history to win the first 10 games while scoring over 110 points in each game.
Under Atkinson’s coaching, Cleveland has embraced a high-powered offense, leading the league with an impressive average of 124.5 points per game and a .526 field goal percentage. This offensive prowess has elevated the team’s performance compared to the previous season under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Despite maintaining the same core players as the previous season, the Cavaliers have undergone a significant transformation under Atkinson’s guidance. General manager Koby Altman’s decision to bring in Atkinson after his successful tenure as an assistant coach with the Warriors has proven to be a game-changer for the team.
Atkinson’s up-tempo style of play has resonated well with the players, including All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. The coach’s prior experience with current Cavaliers players such as Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert has facilitated a seamless transition and fostered a positive team dynamic.
Moreover, Cleveland’s depth has been a key factor in their historic start to the season. With ten players averaging at least 15 minutes per game and no player exceeding 30 minutes, the team has effectively utilized its roster to maintain a competitive edge.
Despite their impressive performance, the Cavaliers remain focused on continuous improvement. While celebrating their achievements, players acknowledge that there is still room for growth, particularly in areas such as rebounding and turnovers.
As the team strives to reach its full potential, the influence of Coach Atkinson continues to be a driving force behind their success. With his strategic acumen and player-centric approach, Atkinson has solidified his position as one of the top coaches in the league, guiding the Cavaliers towards a promising future of continued excellence and growth.
