Historic Cavaliers Surge: Atkinson’s Squad Sets an NBA Record with a Perfect 9-0 Start
Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves in the NBA, setting a historic milestone by becoming the first team in the franchise’s 55-year history to start a season 9-0. The achievement came after a commanding 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
The Cavaliers marked this momentous occasion in true team spirit, with players dousing Coach Atkinson in water bottles during their locker room celebration. This win didn’t just set a franchise record; it made Atkinson the first NBA coach ever to win his first nine games with a new team.
Donovan Mitchell led the charge with a stellar 29-point performance, while the team showed its depth with six players scoring in double figures. The Cavs’ success isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about team chemistry and execution.
“We’ve done it in so many different ways,” Mitchell explained after the game. “We’ve experienced blowouts, tight games, and thrilling comeback victories.” It’s just the habits that really get me excited about what we’re doing.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. The Cavaliers are shooting an NBA-best 52.6% from the field this season, and their latest victory showcased their offensive firepower with a 54.2% shooting performance, including an impressive 48.6% from three-point range.
What makes this run even more remarkable is the balanced team effort. In the Pelicans game, the Cavs’ bench contributed 50 points, while four of five starters scored 14 or more points. Jarrett Allen continued his strong play with 16 points and 14 rebounds, proving that this team’s success goes beyond just star power.
The coaching transition has been seamless under Atkinson, who spent the past three seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. His previous head coaching experience with Brooklyn, where he managed just one winning season (42-40 in 2018-19), makes this achievement even more impressive.
“When you win nine in a row, it’s not one or two guys; it’s the whole roster,” Atkinson emphasized. “The vibes are great, energy’s great, and we’ve bought in completely.”
The Cavaliers’ historic run will face its next test against the Golden State Warriors, a team that knows something about perfect starts—they set the NBA record by winning their first 24 games in the 2015-16 season.
For now, Cleveland can celebrate this milestone while keeping their eyes on bigger goals. As Mitchell noted, “My biggest thing is just being consistent. Let’s continually be this team.”
The Cleveland fanbase has been energized and the rest of the NBA has taken notice. The Cavaliers aren’t just winning games; they’re making history and showing that this could be the start of something special in Cleveland basketball.
With strong leadership from Atkinson, stellar play from Mitchell and the entire roster, and a chemistry that seems to grow stronger with each victory, these Cavaliers are proving they’re more than just a hot start—they’re a team built for success.