The Cavaliers joined illustrious company after defeating Charlotte on Sunday, becoming just the fourth team in NBA history to open a season with 15 consecutive victories, per Jenna West and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. The other three teams were the Washington Capitols (15-0 in 1948/49), the Rockets (15-0 in ’93/94), and the Warriors (24-0 in ’15/16).
Darius Garland (25 points, 12 assists, five rebounds), Ty Jerome (24 points, eight assists), Evan Mobley (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Jarrett Allen (21 points, 15 rebounds) led a balanced attack for Cleveland, which won by 14 points despite playing without star guard Donovan Mitchell, who was resting. As Lloyd notes, the Cavs have the best offensive rating in the league, having scored at least 130 points six times, which is a franchise record; they nearly accomplished the feat again on Sunday, finishing with 128.
The Cavs will face their biggest test of the season on Tuesday in Boston against the defending champion Celtics, who are 11-3, second place in the East.
Here’s more on the Cavaliers:
- Head coach Kenny Atkinson complimented Jerome following Sunday’s game, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “He’s one of our best players right now,” Atkinson said. “It’s always nice having another ball-handler out there so D.G. doesn’t get worn out.” For his part, Jerome said the victory was a byproduct of the team’s depth. “Just a deep, complete team,” Jerome said. “Kenny said after the game, ‘We go one through 18 and we’re 18 deep.’ Something we pride ourselves on.” The 27-year-old guard, who was limited to just two games last season due to an ankle injury, will be a free agent next summer.
- While their 15-0 start has been remarkable, Atkinson said he’s unhappy with how the defense has performed of late, according to Fedor of Cleveland.com. The Cavs gave up 73 points in the first half — and 126 overall — in Friday’s victory over Chicago, then 114 to Charlotte on Sunday.
- Brian Windhorst of ESPN takes an in-depth look at how the Cavs’ offseason plans have paid off in a major way to open ’24/25. Atkinson, who was hired in late June to replace J.B. Bickerstaff, has implemented several changes, particularly on the offensive end, and has “total buy in” from the team’s star players, Windhorst writes. “This is rare,” Atkinson said. “We just have this incredible chemistry and an incredible understanding and respect for one another. It’s beautiful to watch.”
Who is this Ty Jerome?
Warriors fans were up in arms every time he stepped on the floor for Golden State a couple years ago. But the guy could be trusted with the ball, wouldn’t make a stupid play, and he knew what he was doing out there.
That was before and look at him today !! Shooting well, playing well, and actually part of the reason Cleveland is Elite right now. He’s providing a great boost.
In fairness, Ty is 27 and with his 4th team. But, I think it points to the whole problem with the “1-and-done” philosophy of the NBA. Players take time to develop. They used to spend 4 years in college. If you spend more than 1 season in college, your draft value plummets. Now they are paying big money to guys who aren’t really ready to succeed. It really doesn’t seem like the GLeague is structured to develop Players.
It irritates me to see all these guys bash Podziemski. He is only beginning his 2nd season and should be given time to develop. Remember, the Warriors tried to trade Curry after a couple of seasons. But, the Bucks decided he wasn’t worth it due to his ankles. It wasn’t until Curry’s 5th season that the Warriors had a winning record. Podz may not be another Curry. But, it is to soon to discard him.
i remember Ty during his days on the warriors. He showed flashes of being a good offensive player but was inconsistent. His defense was poor. He is not the same player now. I am not surprised about him being able to score but his defense is so much better now. He is not a liability on defense. Some players take time to get better. Its a shame the lakers and LeBron is telling Bronny go down to G league and play there for the rest of the year. Playing in the G league can make some players a NBA player
Jerome is another guy, along with Donte and Moody, who Kerr simply refused to develop in a meaningful way. All 3 guys have strengths and Kerr just went “nah we need you to do this role that you definitely aren’t ready or good enough for!”
That year Jerome was on a 2W deal and was the only true backup PG to Steph in those lean years where GSW was not allowed to spend money. Jerome’s defense was the worst in the league, like unplayable bad. GSW fans rightfully hated seeing a 2W guy take up all the non-Steph PG mins as GSW was doomed to another underperforming year, just like last year with Podz getting too much playing time = horrible results in the standings.
Jerome was flat out terrible for GSW but like Donte in NY and maybe/soon Moody, we are seeing now who the real problem is: Kerr. GSW’s only bad move recently was not shoving Steve out the door to open it up for Kenny.