15-0. That is the impressive balance presented by the Cleveland Cavaliers, undefeated after 15 games, who this Sunday defeated the Charlotte Hornets 128-114 and thus equaled the second best start in NBA history. These Cavaliers are now only behind the record held by the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors with an overwhelming 24-0 start.
In this sense, Cleveland joined two other teams that got a 15-0 start: the Houston Rockets (1993-1994) and the Washington Capitols (1948-1949). That Golden State reached a record of 73-9 (the best in history) and lost the Finals (precisely against LeBron James’ Cavaliers), Houston won the ring and Washington was also a finalist.
To continue with their impeccable streak so far and achieve 16-0 that would leave them alone as the second best start of all time, Cleveland will have a major challenge next Tuesday, when they will meet none other than the current champions, the Celtics, in a game that will be played in Boston and that will count for the NBA Cup after those in green already stumbled in this tournament in their first meeting.
In any case, the Cavaliers of coach Kenny Atkinson, with dual American and Spanish nationality and who could not have started his career as Cleveland coach on a better foot, are right now the great sensation of the NBA and a contender for everything thanks to the excellent performance of his quartet of figures: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
They didn’t even miss Mitchell, who didn’t play in the game due to rest, as four players surpassed the 20-point barrier. Thus, Garland had 25 points and 12 assists, Allen added 21 points and 15 rebounds, Mobley contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds and Ty Jerome had 24 points and 8 assists.
The Cavaliers shone with 57.1% shooting from the field and, except for one moment in the first quarter, they were always ahead on the scoreboard. They had 20 turnovers that accounted for 28 points for Charlotte. LaMelo Ball (31 points and 12 assists) was the best for the Hornets (5-8) with his entire starting quintet in double figures in scoring.
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