The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic start, boasting a 31-4 record through their first 35 games. This puts them on pace for an astounding 73 wins, which would tie the all-time regular season record set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. But should the Cavs be actively pursuing this milestone?
While the temptation to chase history is understandable, I believe the Cavaliers shouldn’t make 70+ wins their primary focus. The team’s success so far stems from their excellent process and well-rounded roster, not from overexerting themselves to secure victories. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has done a masterful job managing minutes, with no player averaging more than 32 minutes per game.
This approach contrasts sharply with other high-win teams of the past. The 73-win Warriors had their stars playing 34-35 minutes nightly, while last year’s 64-win Celtics saw Jayson Tatum logging nearly 36 minutes per game. The Cavs’ current strategy keeps the team fresh and reduces the risk of burnout come playoff time.
That said, the Cavaliers shouldn’t be content with just 50-something wins either. A realistic target should be in the 63-67 win range, which would still place them among the NBA’s all-time great regular season teams. Achieving this without sacrificing their current balanced approach would be ideal.
Evan Mobley’s Three-Point Evolution
A key factor in the Cavs’ recent success has been Evan Mobley’s improved three-point shooting. Over the last 14 games, Mobley has attempted 3.9 threes per game, connecting on an impressive 48% of them. This newfound range has opened up the floor for Cleveland’s offense, creating more space for his teammates to operate.
Mobley’s willingness to keep shooting, even on off nights, demonstrates his growing confidence. This development could be crucial in matchups against smaller lineups, as it allows the Cavs to maintain their size advantage without sacrificing spacing.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavaliers’ historic season, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Analysis of the upcoming Cavs vs. Thunder matchup
• The Cavaliers’ impressive offensive and defensive ratings over the last 15 games
• How Mobley’s three-point shooting impacts Cleveland’s lineup versatility
