Donovan Mitchell celebrated being part of a historic achievement as the Cleveland Cavaliers marked a 12-0 start to the season, a feat accomplished by only eight teams in NBA history. This achievement places them in elite company, with the most recent team to accomplish this feat being the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who started their campaign with a 24-0 record. Mitchell’s performance has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ early success, with the star guard scoring a season-high 36 points in their thrilling 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The Cavaliers have proven to be a team that can win in various ways, whether through dominant performances, impressive comebacks, or narrow victories in tightly contested games. Mitchell praised the collective effort of the team, highlighting that every player is stepping up when needed. "We're doing it in ways where we are blowing out teams. We're winning from behind. We're winning close games," Mitchell said, reflecting on the team’s adaptability.
In his first season as head coach, Kenny Atkinson has seen his team develop a strong focus and determination, especially as critics continue to question the Cavaliers’ potential. Atkinson acknowledged that the team’s recent success was fueled by a collective desire to prove themselves. "This group is locked in," Atkinson stated, adding that the questions about their abilities have only sharpened their focus.
Mitchell, who is averaging 22.5 points per game this season, stressed the importance of sustaining this level of play for the remainder of the year. While the team’s morale is high and their performance is exceptional, he recognized that maintaining consistency will be key to facing the challenges that lie ahead. As the Cavaliers continue their historic run, Mitchell’s leadership and the team’s collective efforts will be crucial in determining how far they can go this season.
