Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell reacts after scoring throughout the first half of an NBA basketball recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Picture/Matt Slocum)
PHILADELPHIA — Amid the giggles and the discuss of historical past that stuffed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ locker room, Donovan Mitchell tried so as to add a little bit perspective in regards to the staff’s 13-0 begin to the NBA season.
“We’re the hunted, nevertheless it’s additionally November,” Cleveland’s star ahead mentioned after he had 23 factors, 14 rebounds and 9 assists within the Cavaliers’ 114-106 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday evening. “Let’s chill out. You recognize, I’m saying its November and we’re not profitable a championship proper now. However these are good exams for us.”
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Cleveland grew to become the primary staff since Golden State in 2015-16 to win 13 straight to begin a season. That Warriors staff holds the file for many wins to start a season at 24 straight.
READ: NBA: Cavaliers stay good as 76ers can’t sustain
The Cavaliers are simply the sixth staff in NBA/BAA historical past to begin 13-0. 4 of the earlier 5 groups went on to achieve the championship spherical. It additionally tied Cleveland’s franchise file of 13 straight wins set three earlier instances — in 2009, 2010 and 2017 — all with LeBron James.
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“It’s an 82-game season and we’re solely 13 video games in,” mentioned guard Darius Garland, who led Cleveland with 25 factors of their newest win. “It’s numerous stuff that we’ve got to scrub up. Nevertheless it’s a great factor that we are able to have these wins as nicely. It’s a great stability that we’ve got proper now as a result of we all know that we are able to get rather a lot higher, though we’re nonetheless undefeated.”
A part of the Cavaliers’ success has been primarily based on ball motion and scoring. Six Cleveland gamers — Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LaVert and Ty Jerome- entered play on Wednesday evening averaging double figures in scoring.
READ: NBA: Cavaliers beat Bulls to stay unbeaten at 12-0
“We’ve all been capable of play numerous video games, and you’ll be mentally and bodily drained,” Mitchell mentioned. “However you’ve to have the ability to proceed to to the little issues for each other. That’s what it’s going to tackle an evening like tonight (to win).
“You must be the staff that does the little issues for each other via these moments and continues to make the correct performs.”
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen performs throughout an NBA basketball recreation, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Picture/Matt Slocum)
Wednesday evening become extra of a wrestle than most anticipated in opposition to a short-handed Philadelphia lineup that was lacking Joel Embiid (left knee damage upkeep), Paul George (left knee damage upkeep), Tyrese Maxey (proper hamstring pressure) and backup middle Andre Drummond (sickness).
It additionally confirmed how huge of a burden Cleveland is carrying with its profitable streak.
“If you happen to have been the Sixers coming in, you’re pondering ’We may finish the streak,’” Cleveland first-year coach Kenny Atkinson mentioned. “That all the time motivates gamers and coaches that you already know you may knock somebody off their block. I do know our gamers really feel it and so they’ve talked about it.”
READ: NBA: Cavaliers off to greatest begin in franchise historical past at 9-0
Rookie first-round choose Jared McCain scored a profession excessive 34 factors and had Philadelphia inside three with simply over three minutes to play.
“He got here out and confirmed that he’s bought some recreation,” Garland mentioned. “He’s searching for a spot on that staff as nicely. It was good, it was a great exhibiting for all of us.”
That’s when Mitchell bought scorching, closing the sport with 11 factors within the last three minutes and simply lacking his first profession triple-double.
“He made these huge step-back 3’s,” Atkinson mentioned. “We’ll forgive him (for lacking the triple-double).”
After a day without work on Thursday, Cleveland will host Chicago on Friday and Charlotte on Sunday earlier than its final litmus check — a Tuesday evening recreation at defending NBA champion Boston.
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“We have now a mature group and a gradual group that doesn’t get too excessive or too low,” Atkinson mentioned. “They’re a humble group. I don’t know if they’re studying the media quotes and I don’t suppose that anybody is pounding the drum or saying how nice we’re. Donovan is all the time saying that we haven’t finished something but, in order that they perceive what we have to do and what the following step is. And they’re holding that chip on their shoulder.”
