By james art To the surprise of many, the Cleveland Cavaliers started the 2024-25 season 4-0. Their start to the season has been impressive, especially considering they scored at least 135 points in two of those games. Also on Monday, they beat the New York Knicks 110-104 on the road. At the start of the year, many overlooked Cleveland as a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. However, thanks to their core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers have looked like an elite team right from the start. They are currently one of three teams still unbeaten. Only the Boston Celtics (4-0) and Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) also remain undefeated.
Since their loss to the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs last season, many Cavaliers players have been in the news for the wrong reasons. Every single one of their key players was in trade rumors, and there were additional rumors that Mitchell and Garland specifically didn’t want to play next to each other. However, those rumors have been put to bed, especially after Mitchell’s latest comments.
Donovan Mitchell reveals he’s ‘happy for’ Darius Garland
Donovan Mitchell’s comments on Darius Garland
After the Cavaliers’ win against the Knicks, Mitchell talked about his backcourt partner. The former Utah Jazz star reflected on the rumors and said he was “happy for” Garland amid his success to start the season.
“I’m happy for him because he went through a lot of BS last year,” Mitchell said of Garland. “You have to learn from it and you have to grow. Sometimes it’s going to be nasty and I think he felt it. It’s a sample of four games, but I have no doubt that will be him for us this season. That was him when he was called upon. That was him when he was an All-Star. I know the type of player he is. I know we can get along. You see it.”
Through the first four games, Garland is averaging 19.3 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.3 steals. Also, despite the small sample size, he shot 54.7% from the floor and 50% from the three-point line. The former All-Star has proven to be a major part of the Cavaliers’ success. Along with Mitchell, the two make up one of the most intriguing backcourt duos in the NBA.
The last word
It could never be denied that the Cavaliers had a good team this season. However, few would have predicted this start for them. In his first year with Kenny Atkinson as head coach, Cleveland looks like one of the best teams in the league. Through four games, they rank in the top four in ORTG (123.2/second in the NBA), DRTG (106.5/fourth in the NBA) and Net Rating (+16.7/third in the NBA). The Cavaliers are one of the most balanced and well-rounded teams in the league. It remains to be seen how long they can continue this hot streak. Still, their 4-0 start is an impressive feat. Many discussed the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers as the main threats to the Celtics in the East. However, a week into the season, the Cavaliers are making a statement of their own.