The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased an impressive performance on Friday night by defeating the Golden State Warriors 136-117, improving their record to a perfect 10-0 for the season. The Warriors, despite entering the matchup with a strong 7-1 record, found themselves overwhelmed from the opening tip-off, as Cleveland launched a staggering 20-2 run right at the start. This early surge enabled the Cavaliers to dominate the first quarter, ending it with a commanding 39-22 lead. By halftime, the situation had escalated, with Cleveland setting a franchise record for points in the first half at 83, leaving the Warriors trailing by a staggering 41-point margin.
Darius Garland emerged as the standout player for the Cavaliers, registering 27 points and six assists while showcasing his shooting prowess by going 6-for-10 from beyond the arc. Evan Mobley also made significant contributions with 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Ty Jerome added 20 points off the bench, hitting all three of his attempted three-pointers. Isaac Okoro, with his effective shooting, chipped in 16 points, further highlighting Cleveland’s offensive firepower. As a team, the Cavaliers displayed remarkable efficiency, shooting 65% overall and an impressive 64% from three-point range in the first half, leading to their runaway success.
The Warriors, who had a reputation for resilience, showed signs of improvement in the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers 75-53. Jonathan Kuminga emerged as a notable performer, scoring 21 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 14 points to the effort. Despite the Warriors’ second-half rally, the substantial deficit they incurred in the opening half made it impossible for them to close the gap. Star player Stephen Curry ended the game with just 12 points, marking his lowest scoring output of the season so far, which compounded Golden State’s challenges on the night.
Cleveland’s impressive start to the season has positioned them as the last undefeated team in the NBA this year, especially noteworthy after Oklahoma City lost for the first time earlier in the week. This early-season success has historical significance, as the Cavaliers are now among only four teams since 2000 to commence their season with a 10-0 record, joining the ranks of iconic teams like the 2000-01 Philadelphia 76ers, the 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks, and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. The latter team is especially significant, as it holds the record for the best start to an NBA season at 24-0.
The Cavaliers’ remarkable start has reignited comparisons to the historical performance of the Warriors during the 2015-16 season, when they set a league record with their staggering 24-0 start before facing a challenging NBA Finals against the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James. Cleveland’s current success not only signifies a strong team effort and unyielding spirit but also serves as a reminder of the franchise’s resilience and ability to compete at the highest level, especially considering their triumphant history against the Warriors.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers aim to extend their winning streak to 11-0 as they prepare to host the Brooklyn Nets next. With their perfect start to the season already breaking franchise records and entering the conversation among some of the best starts in NBA history, Cleveland will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive display of basketball as they establish themselves as serious contenders this season under the leadership of head coach Kenny Atkinson.
