Are the Cleveland Cavs Really for Real?
Aaron K.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (51-10) are set to finish first in the Eastern Conference, enjoying a historically great season. Yet, the question “Are the Cavs for real?” continues to linger around the NBA. As of this writing, the Cavs’ odds to win the Eastern Conference stand at +210, while the Celtics' odds are -140. Clearly, the oddsmakers in Vegas don’t believe in the Cavs—but I respectfully disagree.
Aaron K.
Mar. 19, 2025
A Historically Great Season
The Cleveland Cavaliers (51-10) are set to finish first in the Eastern Conference, enjoying a historically great season. Yet, the question “Are the Cavs for real?” continues to linger around the NBA. As of this writing, the Cavs’ odds to win the Eastern Conference stand at +210, while the Celtics' odds are -140. Clearly, the oddsmakers in Vegas don’t believe in the Cavs—but I respectfully disagree.
The Doubts Surrounding the Cavs
To be fair, Vegas is smart, and skepticism about the Cavs' playoff success isn’t unwarranted. Two seasons ago, despite a strong 51-31 record, Cleveland was embarrassed by the Knicks in the first round, even with home-court advantage. Last year, they limped into the playoffs, barely edging out an inferior Orlando Magic team in seven games before being eliminated by the Celtics in the second round.
So why should this year be any different? Allow me to explain…
The Kenny Atkinson Effect
This offseason, the Cavs fired J.B. Bickerstaff and brought in Kenny Atkinson. This move reportedly played a key role in Donovan Mitchell's decision to re-sign with the team, something most NBA analysts never saw coming. Atkinson has unlocked the potential that Cavs fans had only seen glimpses of over the past four years. The transformation of the offense and the team’s overall chemistry under Atkinson is a major reason why this Cavs squad is different from years past.
The Rise of Evan Mobley
Atkinson’s impact is best exemplified by the evolution of Evan Mobley. This season, Mobley is shooting and making more three-pointers than ever. His scoring has jumped from 15.7 points per game last year to 18.6 this year. The Cavs have given him the green light to handle the ball, frequently initiating the offense through him at the top of the key. His net rating has skyrocketed from 1.2 last year to 14.3 this season.
Oh, and let's not forget: Mobley is a defensive force and the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.
Darius Garland’s Resurgence
Another player thriving under Atkinson is Darius Garland. Last season, Garland struggled after rushing back from a jaw injury, leaving many Cleveland fans calling for a trade, arguing that he and Donovan Mitchell were too small to coexist.
This year, Garland is back to his All-Star form and then some. His net rating has leaped from 2.1 last season to 10.8, and he’s shooting 41% from three—one of the main reasons the Cavs lead the NBA in three-point percentage.
He also leads the team in assists and has been clutch in key moments.
The Genius of Koby Altman
Cavs GM Koby Altman deserves immense credit for assembling this squad. He has a remarkable ability to uncover hidden gems, like Ty Jerome, who is on pace for a 50/40/90 season, and Dean Wade, who boasts a 12.5 net rating. Altman’s draft acumen (Garland, Isaac Okoro, Mobley, Emoni Bates) and his outstanding trades (Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, De'Andre Hunter) have built a team that is 20-5 against the NBA’s top 12 teams.
Donovan Mitchell: The Superstar in a Different Role
Of course, we can’t talk about the Cavs without mentioning Donovan Mitchell. He’s still breaking ankles, drilling threes (like his 35-point performance against Boston), and making highlight plays. However, his points per game have dipped, and he’s only had one 40+ point game this season—and that’s a good thing.
Before Mitchell re-signed, he and Atkinson shared an infamous lunch where they bonded over their basketball philosophies, even using salt shakers and napkins to diagram plays. Atkinson promised to spread out minutes, keeping the team fresh. True to his word, the Cavs have 12 players averaging over 19 minutes per game, with no starter playing more than 31.5 minutes. By comparison, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 34.3 minutes, LeBron James 35, Nikola Jokić 36.4, and league leaders Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges play 37.8 minutes per game. This approach could give Cleveland a crucial edge in the postseason.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Beyond individual improvements, the team stats tell the story:
The Cavs lead the NBA in offensive rating while maintaining the seventh-best defensive rating.
They have the third-fewest turnovers in the league.
They rank first in three-point percentage, effective field goal percentage, and true shooting percentage.
They are on a 15-game winning streak, adding to previous streaks of 15 and 12 games.
No team has been better in clutch situations this year.
They will have home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, boasting a 30-4 home record.
They’ve proven they can beat elite teams even without Garland and Mitchell.
They are fresh. They are hungry.
The Verdict: This Team Is Different
Yes, this Cavs team is different from past versions. And yes, this team is for real. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some bets to make…
Aaron Kollar is Lifelong Teacher and Basketball Coach. Sometimes he writes about the Cavs, sometimes he streams with the Cavs, sometimes he Tweets about the Cavs. But he's ALWAYS watching the Cavs.
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