The Cleveland Cavaliers' hot start is in double-digit territory.
Kenny Atkinson's squad improved to 10 straight wins to open the 2024-25 campaign Friday after defeating the Golden State Warriors 136-117.
Darius Garland led Cleveland with 27 points, going 6-of-11 on threes, along with six assists and three steals, while forward Evan Mobley scored 23 points, four assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal.
"10-0 is something," Atkinson said postgame. "Kind of magic number, 10. We're playing really good basketball. Just really pleased where the group is."
The Cavaliers shot 47.6% (20-for-42) from distance and were just as effective at keeping the Warriors to a quiet 31% beyond the arc. Stephen Curry was 1-of-4 from deep, and his 12 points topped Golden State's starters Friday. Forward Jonathan Kuminga led the squad off the bench with 21 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block in the loss.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who had Atkinson serve on his coaching staff for three seasons before he landed in Cleveland in June, commended the Cavs' effort from the opening tip. After the Warriors' first field goal tied the game 2-2, Cleveland responded with a three by Isaac Okoro and never surrendered the lead.
"They were ready to play, obviously, and took it to us," Kerr said. "I think it was 20-2 right out of the gate, so give them credit. They were fantastic."
Cleveland's 10-game streak is the longest winning stretch to open a campaign since the Warriors pulled off 24 straight victories to begin the 2015-16 season. Prior to that 73-9 Golden State team, no franchise had started the year with at least 10 consecutive wins since the Dallas Mavericks in 2002.
