Kenny Atkinson couldn’t assist however smile as he regarded on the field rating and stared on the document of his Cleveland Cavaliers.
His first season as their coach has gone completely.
“10-0 is one thing. It’s form of a magic quantity, proper?” Atkinson stated. “I used to be apprehensive about tonight as a result of the Warriors are champions. That shocked me, how prepared we have been, how hungry we have been. 10-0 is absolutely one thing for our group.”
Darius Garland scored 27 factors and Evan Mobley had 23 because the Cavaliers routed the Golden State Warriors 136-117 on Friday night time, turning into the primary group in NBA historical past to win their first 10 video games and rating not less than 110 factors in every of them.
Atkinson’s high-powered offense has been a fantastic match for Cleveland, which leads the league in factors per recreation at 124.5 and with a .526 area aim proportion.
Underneath now-Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff final season, the Cavaliers averaged 112.6 factors and shot .479 from the sector – with the identical high 9 gamers on their roster. They misplaced to eventual champion Boston within the second spherical of the playoffs.
The one important change made by basic supervisor Koby Altman was hiring Atkinson after he spent three years as an assistant beneath Steve Kerr with the Warriors.
“This was a fantastic job to get, identical to mine was 10 years in the past, and it’s an ideal spot for Kenny,” Kerr stated. “Continuity was already there and so they have been rattling good final 12 months, however Kenny has added his contact. He clearly is an efficient match.”
Atkinson’s up-tempo fashion rapidly received over the face of the franchise, All-Star capturing guard Donovan Mitchell. Atkinson had beforehand labored with present Cavs gamers Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert throughout his head teaching stint in Brooklyn, making the transition even smoother.
Using Cleveland’s depth has additionally paid dividends throughout the perfect begin in franchise historical past. Ten gamers are averaging not less than quarter-hour a recreation, however none are logging greater than 30.
“We’re taking part in quick and we’re taking part in the best approach,” stated backup guard Ty Jerome, who scored a season-high 20 factors in opposition to Golden State. “Everyone seems to be making pictures and everyone seems to be having enjoyable. And Donovan and Darius’ selflessness is permitting us to play that approach.”
On a night when the Cavaliers constructed a 41-point halftime lead at 83-42 – tying the eighth largest within the NBA’s shot clock period – and equaled the group document for factors in a half, a number of gamers famous they nonetheless haven’t reached their potential.
Cleveland has outshot their opponent in every recreation, however has solely received the rebounding battle 4 instances. The Cavs additionally dedicated 19 turnovers that led to 30 factors in opposition to the Warriors.
“That’s the factor – we now have an extended strategy to go, numerous stuff to scrub up, which is nice,” Allen stated. “We all know we could be higher and we’re not going to cease working till we get there. Kenny is among the finest coaches within the league and it’s exhibiting.”
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