Story by
Cavs can gain plenty in reunion with defending champ Celtics, even if streak ends | Ulrich
- Story by
- Cavs can gain plenty in reunion with defending champ Celtics, even if streak ends | Ulrich
CLEVELAND — Becoming one of only four teams in NBA history to begin a season 15-0 comes with perks, one of which is the Cavaliers will encounter a win-win scenario when they visit the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
If the Cavs were to prevail at TD Garden, they would improve to 16-0 and remain the league's only undefeated team this season . Conversations about them threatening the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors' record for the best start in NBA history could begin in earnest.
Advertisement
What's not to like?
But if the Cavs were to lose to the Celtics, they would be 15-1, learn more about themselves under new coach Kenny Atkinson and receive a valuable reminder about the big picture in addition to all the motivation any team could ever want. A common enemy has a unique ability to unite people, and Boston's status as an already tight-knit Cleveland locker room's primary nemesis would only be enhanced.
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Cleveland.
As impressive as the Atkinson era has been thus far, the true measure of success this season will be determined by whether the Cavs advance beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals next spring. Of course, it's the same round of the playoffs in which they suffered a 4-1 series loss to the eventual NBA champion Celtics under the guidance of Atkinson's predecessor, coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Advertisement
The Cavs won't go 82-0. If the longest winning streak in franchise history were to end in Boston (11-3), Cleveland would receive a fresh dose of humility to ensure it stays hungry. Cavaliers players would hear their critics say something like, "Yeah, the Cavs are really good, but they still can't beat the Celtics, and they won't beat them in a best-of-seven playoff series, either."
It wouldn't be the worst outcome for a 15-1 team to have a chip on its shoulder.
What is Cavs Frog?: 'I've been wanting to dance with that frog': Impromptu mascot celebrates historic winning streak with players
The Cavs obviously want to win. The game will be highly anticipated, televised nationally on TNT and part of Emirates NBA Cup group play. The Cavs respect the Cup and especially the prize money players who capture it are rewarded. Still, triumphing in each of the first 15 games this season gives the Cavs the luxury of easily finding a silver lining no matter what happens in their 16th game.
Advertisement
Before the Cavs beat the Charlotte Hornets 128 -114 on Sunday night, Atkinson revealed he treated a film session from Friday's 144-126 win over the Chicago Bulls as if it were a loss. Atkinson coached his players hard because they didn't meet the standard for defense the group had set. He slammed a flip-flop during halftime against the Bulls for the same reason, Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) stretches before Game 1 of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics on May 7, 2024, in Boston.
The defense also slipped in the third quarter against the Hornets (5-8) before tightening in the fourth quarter while deploying a zone. With their five-out offense, the Celtics will provide a great measuring stick, and the Cavs could be without their two best defenders not named Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen because forwards Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade each suffered a left sprained ankle Sunday.
"I think it's going to be a test for us," Atkinson said of rendezvousing with the Celtics. "They obviously play a different style, with their five out, the five shooters, and so it's going to be a real test for us.
Advertisement
"We're at that point right now, right? [We're] 15-0. Let's test ourselves against the best and see where we stand and see where we're going to make adjustments or not make adjustments. So it actually comes at the perfect time to give us a good measurement of where we are."
See the point about a win-win scenario? The Cavs have earned it, and steeling themselves for the playoffs has always been their top priority. Establishing habits, a style of play and rotations conducive to a deep postseason run is at the forefront of their thinking.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) tries to get between Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and center Al Horford (42) during Game 1 of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs on May 7, 2024, in Boston.
If anyone is unsure about the concept, consider the Cavs rested Mitchell on Sunday for the first time this season as part of a collaborative plan involving the five-time All-Star's input. Atkinson explained limiting the wear and tear on Mitchell in hopes of entering the playoffs with him healthy takes precedence over ensuring the Cavs extend their winning streak.
Advertisement
It's the right strategy. When the dust settles from this season, everyone will judge it by how it ended, not how it started. Which fact left a greater impression on you: The 2015-16 Warriors started 24-0, or the same team blew a 3-1 lead to LeBron James and the Cavs in the 2016 NBA Finals?
The 2024-25 Cavs have been speaking as if they possess the proper perspective.
"At the end of the day, our goal wasn't to be 16-0 or 15-0," said Cavs guard Ty Jerome , who started in place of Mitchell against the Hornets and produced 24 points and eights assists. "We want to get better every night, and we want to prepare for the spring. We've got to keep that mindset. We do have to get back to defensively who we want to be, and Boston's going to be a great challenge for us to go do that."
When the Cavs unveiled their schedule in August, everyone should have circled the team's first reunion with the Celtics. Yet, no one could have envisioned Cleveland would take a 15-0 record to Boston.
Advertisement
It's fun and adds a tremendous amount of sizzle to a game in November.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the first quarter during Game 5 in the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs May 15 in Boston.
The last time a defending NBA champion met an opponent riding a winning streak of 15 games or more occurred on Jan. 30, 1996, when the Houston Rockets and Bulls clashed on Jan. 30, 1996. The defending champ Rockets lost 98-87 to the Bulls, who entered the matchup in Houston on a 15-game winning streak. The Bulls went on to win the title.
"It's great for the NBA, right?" Atkinson said of the impending showdown with the Celtics. "I think everybody's going to be watching, and I know our guys are anxious. I know they remember last year.
Advertisement
"We're going well. [The Celtics are] going well. Boston Garden — what's better than that?"
Atkinson knows the answer to his rhetorical question. What would be better is the Cavs advancing beyond the second round of the playoffs. Tuesday night's game should be an early building block used in the main mission, regardless of the outcome.
Cleveland Cavaliers column: Donovan Mitchell nurturing the Cavs' potential and preserving his health are keys to the team's lofty goals
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs can benefit vs playoff foe Celtics, even if winning streak ends
