This story is from November 14, 2024

"Cleveland’s 12-0 Streak: Can Cleveland Rewrite NBA History?"

"Cleveland’s 12-0 Streak: Can Cleveland Rewrite NBA History?"
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have launched their season with an impressive 12-0 start, making waves under their new coach, Kenny Atkinson. This marks the eighth time in NBA history that a team has won its first 12 games, a rare feat that has fans buzzing about the team’s potential.Leading the league with the highest-rated offense (121.3) and top three-point shooting accuracy (41.3%), the Cavaliers also boast the second-best point differential (12.0) this season, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (12.2).But while their performance is historic, the Cavaliers still have a way to go to match the best season starts in NBA history.Also read - “Adam Silver Crowns Michael Jordan as GOAT, Jokingly Warns: ‘Don’t Tell LeBron’”

Best Start in NBA History: Warriors’ Dominance in 2015-16

The title for the best season start belongs to the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who shattered records with a 24-0 run. That season, the Warriors also set the record for most regular-season wins (73).Interestingly, Steve Kerr wasn’t at the helm during this streak. Recovering from back surgery, Kerr handed the reins to assistant coach Luke Walton, who guided the Warriors to their historic run. Walton led the team to a 39-4 record before Kerr’s return.Despite their dominance that season, the Warriors fell short in the NBA Finals, losing in seven games to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers’ Standing Among NBA’s Best Starts

The Cavaliers’ 12-0 start places them alongside some of the greatest early-season runs in NBA history, but several teams still rank ahead. Here’s how Cleveland compares to the best starts ever:
  1. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors: 24-0 (lost NBA Finals)

  2. 1993-94 Houston Rockets: 15-0 (won NBA Finals)

  3. 1948-49 Washington Capitols: 15-0 (lost NBA Finals)

  4. 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks: 14-0 (lost Western Conference Finals)

  5. 1957-58 Boston Celtics: 14-0 (lost NBA Finals)

  6. 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers: 12-0 (active streak)

  7. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls: 12-0 (won NBA Finals)

  8. 1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics: 12-0 (lost first-round series)
Notably, five of the seven previous teams with a 12-0 or better start advanced to the NBA Finals, adding hope to the Cavaliers’ prospects this season.

Upcoming Challenges for Cleveland

Maintaining this unbeaten streak won’t be easy as the Cavaliers face tough competition in the coming weeks. Key matchups include games against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets. Here’s their upcoming schedule:
  • Nov. 13: at Philadelphia 76ers

  • Nov. 15: vs. Chicago Bulls

  • Nov. 17: vs. Charlotte Hornets

  • Nov. 19: at Boston Celtics

  • Nov. 20: vs. New Orleans Pelicans

  • Nov. 24: vs. Toronto Raptors
Should Cleveland sustain its hot streak, they could climb further up the ranks of historic season starts.

What Makes Cleveland a Contender

Much of the Cavaliers' success stems from standout performances by players like Donovan Mitchell and Tristan Thompson, who have anchored the team on both ends of the floor. Coupled with Atkinson’s leadership, Cleveland’s ability to execute on offense and dominate from beyond the arc has set them apart early this season.Fans now eagerly await to see if the Cavaliers can sustain their momentum and write a new chapter in NBA history.Also read - “Nike vs. Stephen Curry: A Billion-Dollar Blunder Analyzed Decades Later On A Popular Radio Show After Listener’s Provocative Comment"
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