In Kenny Atkinson’s first year at the helm, the Cavaliers reached new heights, including a franchise-record 16-game win streak and a blistering 15-0 start to the year that tied the best opening stretch in NBA history.
Cleveland’s 64-win campaign sets the tone for a deep playoff run
Even with the top spot already secured, the Cavs carried momentum into the final week of the regular season.
They picked up a gritty win over the Memphis Grizzlies behind a game-high 29 points from Donovan Mitchell and 22 from Evan Mobley, who also chipped in nine rebounds. Just days later, they took on the Indiana Pacers in a meaningless finale, resting their regular rotation in preparation for the playoffs.
Rookie Jaylon Tyson made the most of the opportunity, notching a career-best 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Tyson’s emergence is just one example of Cleveland’s depth. The Cavaliers were able to cruise through the season despite a handful of changes to their rotation.
De’Andre Hunter, acquired midseason in exchange for Caris LeVert, added two points in the regular-season finale and gives Atkinson another versatile option on the wing heading into the postseason.
Why Cleveland Should Be Rooting for Miami in the Play-In
The Cavaliers now await the outcome of the Play-In Tournament to learn their first-round opponent. The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are set to face off for the right to challenge Cleveland, with the winner earning the East’s eighth seed.
Both teams have played competitive ball late into the season, but one matchup is clearly more favorable for the Cavaliers.
Miami, already inconsistent offensively, will now be entering the Play-In without Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors prior to the end of the regular season.
Without their top scoring option and leader, the Heat don’t pose the same threat they did in past playoff matchups. In contrast, the Bulls enter the Play-In with momentum and more roster stability, which could make them a more challenging opponent for Cleveland in a seven-game series.
Cleveland’s first playoff game is scheduled for Saturday, April 20. The Cavaliers have waited all season for this moment, and they’ve done everything in their control to secure the best possible path to a deep run. Now they’ll sit back and watch the Play-In unfold, knowing full well that a Miami win gives them the cleaner route forward.
Whether it’s Chicago or Miami, the Cavaliers will enter the first round as heavy favorites. But after a season full of milestones, a coaching transition, and one of the best records in franchise history, anything short of a second-round appearance would feel like falling short of expectations.
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