The Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts late within the second half of an NBA basketball sport towards the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. The Cavaliers received 131-122. (AP Picture/Gerald Herbert)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Taking Jarrett Allen's cue, the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated the primary 9-Zero begin to a season in franchise historical past by pouring bottles of water over coach Kenny Atkinson's head within the locker room.
There will likely be a lot larger video games with greater stakes than the Cavs' 131-122 victory in New Orleans on Wednesday evening.
However Atkinson didn't thoughts having fun with one thing no different Cavs crew has accomplished within the 55 years since Cleveland joined the NBA for the 1970-71 season.
“It’s important to,” stated Atkinson, who additionally turned the primary NBA coach to win his first 9 video games with a brand new crew. “This season is so lengthy. It's so exhausting to win on this league. So when you’ve gotten moments like these, you need to have fun somewhat bit.”
After hitting 54.2 % of their photographs within the Large Simple — together with 48.6 % (17-of-35) from Three-point vary — the Cavs are taking pictures an NBA-best 52.6 % from the sector on the season.
“We play good basketball” stated All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 29 factors for New Orleans whereas 5 different teammates scored 11 or extra. “I did it in so many various methods. We had blowouts, shut video games, come-from-behind wins.
“It's simply the habits that actually get me enthusiastic about what we're doing.” Mitchell stated. “My largest factor is to be constant. Let's proceed to be this crew.”
Cleveland subsequent performs at house Friday evening towards the Golden State Warriors, who set the NBA document for finest begin to a season by successful their first 24 video games within the 2015-16 marketing campaign.
Towards the Pelicans, the Cavs bought 50 factors from their reserves, whereas 4 of 5 starters scored 14 or extra.
“Once more, everybody contributes” Atkinson stated. “It's what good groups do. We’re in a great place bodily. We’re in a great place mentally.
“While you win 9 in a row, it's not one or two guys; is the entire checklist,” he added.
In his earlier 4 seasons as a head coach with Brooklyn, Atkinson had only one successful document, going 42-40 in 2018-19.
He spent the final 4 seasons as an assistant – the primary with the Los Angeles Clippers and the final three with Golden State.
Now, he's off to an auspicious begin in his second tenure as a head coach, albeit with a crew that received a playoff sequence a season in the past and was anticipated to be again within the Japanese Convention postseason image this 12 months. season.
“The vibes are nice, the vitality is nice, he did an outstanding job with us and we purchased in too,” Mitchell stated. “He gave us enter, however he additionally allowed us to provide ourselves, and I believe that's particular.”
Atkinson, in the meantime, appears happy with the synergy he has felt not solely between his gamers, but additionally between them and himself.
“I take into consideration this crew and the camaraderie that they’ve and the chemistry that now we have and the way related they’re.” Atkinson stated. “I used to be fortunate sufficient to come back in with a extremely good group, a gaggle that has been very profitable prior to now and I'm glad for them – and I believe they're glad for me within the dressing room.
“There's a bond between a head coach and a crew,” Atkinson continued. “It’s important to have fun these moments and it's fairly cool.”