By james art The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive start to the 2024/2025 NBA season by defeating New York Knicks 110-104 at Madison Square Garden. With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 4-0, although they faced criticism after not making significant roster changes during the offseason.
However, the Cavaliers are led by their star duo, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell scored 25 points, while Garland led the way with 34.
DG continues to climb into the Cavaliers history books. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/PlPrhGMAMr
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 29, 2024
But what really stood out was the performance of Evan Mobley, who received great feedback from head coach Kenny Atkinson. Mobley finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, proving to be the “X Factor” in Cleveland’s win. Atkinson praised Mobley’s ability to make the right pass without forcing the play.
Mobley’s versatility is essential for the Cavaliers. In 36 minutes of play, his contribution went beyond just scoring goals. He was instrumental on both ends of the floor.
The Cavaliers also showed their depth, with Jarrett Allen adding a solid double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, and four bench players contributed nearly 20 points combined.
Mitchell on Garland’s potential
After the game, Mitchell took a moment to address the criticism Garland has faced in the past.
“I just want everyone who’s been on this side to stay on this side when it comes to him. I don’t want there to be a change. I know who many of you are,” Mitchell stated.
“There are times in your career when you have years like that. Obviously, he was experiencing things personally. You have to grow up. You have to understand it.
“A lot of people said he couldn’t … It’s a sample of four games, but I have no doubt that’s who he’s going to be for us this season. This is who he was when he was elected. he was when he was an All-Star. I know the type of player he is. I know we can get along.
“It’s probably the best four games we’ve ever run. This will continue because we will continue to believe in what we can do. There’s a confidence in him this year.”
NYC DG. @dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/tRNhOr3iNt
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 29, 2024
With both players on the field, they have become one of the most efficient teams in the league this season. This is the Garland Cleveland fans have been waiting for since he was selected fifth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
After this great start to the season and their impressive road win against the “stuttering stars” Knicks, Cleveland showed that they are here to compete. They do so with a roster that has a lot more to offer than many initially believed.
The combination of Mitchell’s scoring prowess, Garland’s playmaking and Mobley’s overall contribution make this team a tough opponent to beat both home and away.
History
It’s also the team’s best start to a season since then LeBron James was part of the roster in 2016. That year, they ended up winning the NBA Championship vs Golden State Warriors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers proved their critics wrong with a strong start to the season. With a great all-star duo surrounded by great all-around pieces, there’s no doubt the Cavaliers can go further than they did last season when they fell to Eastern Conference semi-final vs Boston Celtics.
With tonight’s 110-104 victory, the @cavs improve to 4-0 on the season, marking their best start since 2016-17 (6-0).#LetEmKnow
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) October 29, 2024