by The Cavs are rolling and off to a hot start as they are now 6-0 on the season after cruising by the Orlando Magic with a final score of 120-109. The Cavs are off to their best start since the memorable 2016 season and are looking very good through the first six games of the season. Cleveland is scoring hot and clicking on all cylinders, and there are a couple of reasons as to why.
Faster Paced Offense
The Cavs last season were the 9th slowest in the league when it came to pace, and through the first six games, they are the 7th fastest-paced offense in the young season. They are attacking on each loose ball and putting a lot of pressure on opposing teams’ transition defense. The Cavs have been having huge success with this, as they are first in the league in offensive rating (124.1) and have won 5 of their 6 games by double digits. The offense is off to a great start.
Feeding Mobley
Coming into the season, Coach Kenny Atkinson has made it clear that Evan Mobley is to be a focal point of the offense, and oh boy has he delivered. Mobley is averaging 18.3 points per game through these first six games at a very efficient clip, shooting 56.4% from the field. Mobley is also shooting more threes at about 2-3 attempts per game and hitting them at a 45% clip. The Cavs have put the ball into Mobley’s hands on the fast break and let him playmaker a bit, and so far the offense is flourishing around this move. We’ve all known how much potential Mobley has, and now it looks like the Cavs are unlocking what this stud is really able to do.
New Coach
My biggest thought as to why the Cavs have started so hot is because of the new coach, Kenny Atkinson. Darius Garland looks back to his All-Star ways, the team is moving the ball better than ever before, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen are flourishing, and it’s all thanks to Coach Atkinson. I know it’s a small sample size, but just these six games alone have proved how much the team has improved offensively. The best offensive rating in the league, as I mentioned earlier, but also the defense is still good as ever, as the Cavs have the third-best defensive rating (106.0). Last season, the Cavs scored 130 points twice; they have matched that number in just six games. Coach Atkinson has this team firing on all cylinders and has everyone playing better. Rotations are better, and our shooters are on fire. Coach Kenny has definitely got these guys fired up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think the new coach hire is the main reason as to why the Cavs are on such a tear through these first six games. Yeah, Mobley is getting his touches and the offense is playing faster than ever before, but it all falls under Kenny Atkinson’s offensive mind and brilliance. He’s got this team rolling right now and, though sure to cool off sometime, I think the Cavs have a real shot at the Larry O’Brien Trophy and can shock the world.
