The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive start to the 2024/2025 NBA season, defeating the New York Knicks 110-104 at Madison Square Garden. With this victory, the Cavaliers improved to 4-0 despite facing criticism after not making any significant roster changes during the offseason.
However, the Cavaliers have been led by their star duo, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell scored 25 points while Garland led all scorers with 34.
But what truly stood out was the performance of Evan Mobley, who has been earning great feedback from head coach Kenny Atkinson. Mobley finished the game with 17 points and eight rebounds, proving to be an 'X Factor' in Cleveland’s victory. Atkinson praised Mobley’s ability to make the right pass without forcing plays.
Mobley’s versatility is essential for the Cavaliers. In 36 minutes of play, his contributions went beyond just scoring. He was instrumental on both sides of the floor.
The Cavaliers also showcased their depth, with Jarrett Allen adding a solid double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds and four bench players contributing nearly 20 points collectively.
Mitchell on Garland's potential
After the game, Mitchell took a moment to address the criticism that Garland has faced in the past.
“I just want everybody who was on that side to stay on that side when it comes to him. I do not want there to be a switch-up. I know who a lot of y’all are,” Mitchell stated.
“There are times throughout your career when you have years like that. Obviously, he was going through things personally. You have to grow. You have to figure it out.
"A lot of people said he could not... It is a four-game sample but I have no doubt that is who he is going to be for us this season. That is who he was when he was drafted. That is who he was when he was an All-Star. I know what type of player he is. I know we can fit together. You are seeing it.
"This is probably the best four games that we have continually put together. That is going to continue because we are going to continue to believe in what we can do. There is a confidence about him this year.”
With both players on the court, they have become one of the most efficient teams in the league this season. This is the Garland that Cleveland fans have been waiting for since he was selected fifth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Following this great start to the season and their impressive road win against the 'star-stutter' Knicks, Cleveland has shown that is here to compete. They are doing it with a roster that has much more to offer than many initially believed.
The combination of Mitchell’s scoring ability, Garland’s playmaking, and Mobley’s all-around contributions make this team a tough opponent to beat either at home or on the road.
History
This is also the team's best start to a season since LeBron James was part of the roster in 2016. That year they ended up winning the NBA Championship against the Golden State Warriors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have proven their critics wrong with a strong start to the season. With a great star duo surrounded by great all-around pieces, there is no doubt the Cavaliers could go further than they did last season when they fell in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics.
