We are just a week into the 2024-25 NBA season, but the Cavs have come out hot on the offensive end. Kenny Atkinson’s new-look offense has Cleveland at or near the top of all key metrics. If they keep pace, this Cavs offense could be a top unit in the league, helping the team exceed expectations.
Cavs Offense Off to Outstanding Start
When the Cavs hired Atkinson in the summer they expected an overall improvement on the offensive end. Atkinson is known for his offensive prowess from his days with the Brooklyn Nets.
To start the season, Cleveland ranks first in points per game, FG%, TS%, etc. Additionally, they are second in offensive rating, net rating, 3P%, and player impact estimate (PIE). The Cavs have been firing on all cylinders, leading to their 3-0 start. In those games, they have scored 136, 113, and 135 points, respectively. For perspective, Cleveland ranked 20th in points per game last season. They also ranked 14th out of 16 teams in the playoffs for points per game.
Despite losing former coach J.B. Bickerstaff who transformed the team’s defense during his tenure the Cavs have also stayed strong defensively while improving on the offensive end. The Cavs maintained continuity this offseason by keeping their roster largely together. Their roster is strong defensively but was waiting to be unlocked on the offensive end.
Stars Leading
While staying strong on the defensive end, the Cleveland attack has been spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell and a transformed Evan Mobley. Mobley has averaged 18.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.3 stocks per game. How Mobley is deployed is different, he is bringing the ball up to start possessions, shooting threes, and attacking the rim effectively already this season.
Also, Mobley and Allen have been played better when staggered. Mobley has played 47 minutes without Allen on the court and the Cavs are a net 36.6. Their offensive and defensive ratings would both rank first in the league in those minutes as well. Cleveland has not seen this level of production on offense since acquiring Mitchell in 2022.
Another major part of this offense has been Dean Wade. Wade has started every game this season in place of the injured Max Strus. Wade’s minutes have the Cavs at a 24.3 net rating in his 65 minutes. Wade is a 3&D wing and has impacted the game on both sides of the floor already this season.
Bench Mob
The Cavs are also getting solid production from their bench unit. Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome have been sixth-man-of-the-year candidates through one week. Jerome is coming off a season-long ankle injury from last season. So far this year he has been a phenomenal backup point guard averaging 13.7 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 73.7% from the floor. LeVert and Jerome are crucial to the Cavs’ second unit and a major reason for their early success. Cleveland has a cohesive unit of players who are currently getting the best of each other.
Overall, it is too early to tell whether this level of offense is sustainable. Through a week of play, the Cavs look like real contenders in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland plays seven straight games against playoff contenders across the next few weeks which will give us a better understanding of where they are at. Ultimately, there is a long season ahead but Atkinson’s team is certainly on the right path.
