No one saw them coming so high, so fast. The Cleveland Cavaliers are crushing the competition in the NBA with a stratospheric start to the season. Yet in the Ohio city, optimism remains cautious. A look back at the improbable rise of the new kings of the East and the lessons of wisdom from fans…
Who would have thought to see the Cleveland Cavaliers at the top of the NBA Eastern Conference with 27 victories in 31 matches? Certainly not long-time fans, accustomed to sporting disillusionment in the “Mistake on the lake”. Yet, under the leadership of new coach Kenny Atkinson and an exploding group of young talents, Cleveland is poised to make history.
The Donovan Mitchell effect, providential star
The arrival of Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz has undeniably changed the situation for the Cavs. The All-Star guard brings all his experience and offensive talent to a promising squad. His understanding with prodigies Darius Garland and Evan Mobley works wonders on the floor.
According to a source close to the franchise, Mitchell quickly blended in, becoming a positive leader in a young locker room. An attitude which contrasts with his character sometimes considered difficult in Utah.
Garland and Mobley, duo of the future
If Mitchell brings experience, Darius Garland (5th draft pick in 2019) and Evan Mobley (3rd in 2021) embody Cleveland’s bright future. The first asserts himself as one of the best leaders in the league with his vision and his outside shot. The second, a mobile and versatile pivot, is progressing at great speed, already being talked about for the title of best progression of the year.
Mobley surprises me with three points this season.
Donte, fan des Cavs
Kenny Atkinson, the man for the job
On the bench, the influence of Kenny Atkinson, former Brooklyn coach, is clearly felt. Relying on an iron defense and a fast game, the technician seems to have found the recipe to make the most of his group of talents.
“Kenny is doing a great job, even though he got a fast car back. It’s a talented squad and good guys,” says Terry Pluto, team follower for the Plain Dealer.
The shadow of the Celtics and the past
Despite the ambient enthusiasm, the 4-1 elimination against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last season remains in the throat of some fans. Like Ryan, “expectations are high right now. And I don’t want to lose to Boston again, I can tell you that. »
An understandable trauma for a city which has only known one major title in more than 60 years (the NBA coronation of 2016). “I expect them to have a dip,” Donte warns again, as a “measured optimist.” Typical Cleveland fatalism.
Title objective or learning season?
If many see the Cavs as legitimate to play for the title next June, caution remains in order among observers. “Are they going to win a title? Who knows? Are they going to be good? Absolutely ! », summarizes Terry Pluto.
A step-by-step approach which in any case seems shared by the staff and the players, aware that an NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. The main objective remains to return to the playoffs and do well there, without skipping steps.
Because in Cleveland more than anywhere else, we know that the path to the summits is paved with pitfalls and disillusionment. Cavs fans have learned to savor the present moment without planning too much. A form of wisdom that could well bear fruit this season.
