The Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves in the NBA this season, with an impressive start that has fans and analysts buzzing. On Monday night, the Cavs extended their winning streak to 12 games, overcoming the Chicago Bulls in a thrilling 119-113 matchup. This win etched Cleveland into the NBA history books as just the eighth team to kick off a season with a flawless 12-0 record. The last team to achieve such an incredible start was the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who famously opened their season with a 24-0 run, ending with a historic 73-9 record.
For Cleveland, this season has been full of memorable moments and gut-check victories. Donovan Mitchell, the team’s star guard, racked up a season-high 36 points against the Bulls, embodying the Cavaliers' momentum and unbreakable spirit. "It's great to be part of history," Mitchell shared, reflecting on how special it is to reach this milestone as part of a team. "I never want to take those things for granted along the road when we're doing it in various ways," he added. Cleveland has found different paths to victory: sometimes blowing teams out, sometimes clawing back from behind, and sometimes winning in tightly contested battles. And perhaps what makes it even sweeter is that it’s often a different player stepping up each night.
In their battle against the Bulls, the Cavs faced some adversity early. Chicago came out strong, seizing a lead in the first quarter and keeping things close by halftime. By the third quarter, the Bulls had built a nine-point lead, which could have been enough to unnerve a lesser team. But Cleveland’s bench squad was ready. Ty Jerome led the bench crew with an impressive 12 points and six assists, sparking a comeback that saw the Cavs outscore the Bulls by 21 points during Jerome’s 21 minutes on the floor. Head coach Kenny Atkinson knew the starters were feeling the fatigue, so he put his faith in the bench to carry the load—and they delivered in a big way.
"He's trusting guys, one through 15," Jerome remarked. "That's what a team is. Throughout the regular season, you need depth." It’s clear that this Cavs squad is more than just a starting lineup; it’s a full roster of talent that steps up whenever needed. And that depth is part of what’s made Cleveland’s 12-0 start possible. Five of the previous seven teams to achieve a 12-0 start went on to reach the NBA Finals, a promising statistic that has Cavs fans daring to dream big.
Atkinson has only just begun his journey as Cleveland’s head coach, but he’s making a significant impact. After spending three seasons as an assistant coach with the Warriors, Atkinson joined Cleveland with an eye on building a winning culture around the Cavs’ already strong core of Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. This core group is entering their third season together, and their chemistry shows. According to Mobley, Atkinson has done an exceptional job integrating his ideas without disrupting the team’s existing defensive prowess. "We knew the defensive system coming in, and he had an offensive scheme for us that he wanted to work out," Mobley explained. "And he mended that very well, and I feel like everyone just bought in right away."
Atkinson’s approach has helped Cleveland build a cohesive, well-rounded game plan, balancing tough defense with dynamic offense. His influence is visible not just in the wins but in the team’s mentality. "This group is locked in," Atkinson noted, acknowledging how the team’s drive has sharpened due to skepticism about their potential. “I do think there’s been questions about this group—whether they can get to the next level, can they make the next step? So, I think when you have that, you have that chip on your shoulder, you focus even more.” That focus, Atkinson believes, is what’s helping this team pay attention to every detail, stay consistent, and keep their winning streak alive.
With this milestone behind them, the Cavaliers are looking ahead to a series of promising matchups. First up, they face a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers team on the road before hosting the Bulls again and then taking on the Charlotte Hornets. Each of these games presents an opportunity to keep the momentum going, but Cleveland knows they’ll face increasing challenges as opponents take notice of their historic start.
Mitchell echoed this sentiment, reminding his teammates that the journey has only just begun. "It's great. We're playing well, vibes are good, but we have to continue to be this team," he emphasized. Mitchell knows that the league will be gunning for them, and the real challenge will be maintaining this level of performance as the season grinds on. "And that's been my message to the guys in the locker room. This is great. We're going to get teams' best shots. We're going to get tested early, but are we going to continue? And I never—no doubt we will—but that's been my thing. Are we going to continue to be this team January, February, March, April?”
As exciting as this early success is, Mitchell’s words remind us all of the work still ahead. This 12-0 record may be something for the Cavs to savor, but they’re fully aware that there’s a long road left to travel. Atkinson also encouraged his players to enjoy the moment, but he knows that to sustain this momentum, they’ll have to keep that same focus game after game, even as the demands of the season intensify.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers are chasing more than just a hot start; they’re pursuing something lasting and impactful. This team has a rare blend of talent, depth, and motivation to push boundaries and challenge expectations. And as fans, we’re here for every electrifying moment of it. Whether it’s a star-studded performance from Mitchell, a critical assist from Jerome, or a strategic move from Atkinson, each game feels like another step in a story that’s only just beginning.
Will Cleveland’s dream start lead them all the way to the Finals? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this Cavs team is playing with a sense of purpose, and they’re giving us plenty to cheer about along the way.
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