The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken the NBA by storm this season, transforming a promising young core into one of the league’s most exciting contenders. There is no denying it, the Cleveland Cavaliers hot start had Cavs fans buzzing!
Their mix of star power, depth, and top-tier defense has helped them cruise to a hot start in the Eastern Conference. Yet, questions remain as to whether this success is truly sustainable—or if playoff pressures will derail their run.
Below is a closer look at how the Cavaliers have positioned themselves atop the East and what challenges they must address to stay there.
"I think it proves that they're the best team in the NBA. I know you have to prove it in the playoffs, but right now…the Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in the league." @sportsreiter on @afternoon923FAN on the 32-4 #Cavs
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 9, 2025
🔊 Full audio: https://t.co/EZtHZMahvL pic.twitter.com/Jx1covgOwW
A Dynamic Backcourt: Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland
A significant catalyst for Cleveland’s early-season dominance is the synergy between Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell, who earned a reputation as a “playoff riser” during his time with the Utah Jazz, is posting some of his career’s best long-range shooting percentages—hovering around the 41% mark on high-volume attempts.
His ability to penetrate the lane, create offense off the dribble, and knock down clutch shots has given the Cavaliers a reliable late-game closer.
Meanwhile, Garland’s impressive efficiency—flirting with the elusive 50/40/90 threshold—has made him the ideal complementary piece. Unlike typical second options, Garland is a playmaker capable of distributing the ball and scoring in bunches.
This dual-threat dynamic keeps opposing defenses on their heels, as both guards can orchestrate or carry the scoring load.
Their chemistry allows the Cavaliers to shift offensive priorities seamlessly and ensures that Cleveland never relies solely on one player when the pressure mounts.
Frontcourt Power: Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen
Although the backcourt has garnered plenty of praise, the Cavaliers’ frontcourt is no less formidable. Evan Mobley, known for his defensive acumen, is showing newfound confidence on offense.
His improved shot—particularly from beyond the arc—alters how defenders must account for him, spacing the floor and reducing paint congestion for Mitchell and Garland. Although he still takes relatively few three-pointers per game, Mobley’s comfort with stepping out creates meaningful offensive variety.
Mobley’s frontcourt partner, Jarrett Allen, continues to deliver consistency on both ends. A physical force in the paint, Allen’s rebounding, shot-blocking, and rim-running abilities provide Cleveland with a reliable interior presence.
Evan Mobley cleans up so much pic.twitter.com/3DxfgmVKFr
— Mack Perry (@DevaronPerry) January 28, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers Hot Start: Depth and Role Players
The quality of their supporting cast is a key difference between this year’s Cavaliers and the team that struggled in last season’s playoffs.
Offseason additions such as Max Strus and Georges Niang have improved the roster with their proven shooting and spacing. Their presence eases the pressure on the starting lineup, ensuring that Cleveland can maintain its offensive potency when Mitchell or Garland rests.
Likewise, reliable bench players like Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill have emerged as capable contributors, helping the Cavs manage rotations effectively.
This depth not only elevates Cleveland’s offense but also fuels their league-leading assist-to-turnover ratio—proof that the ball is moving well and every player understands their role.
The Skepticism: Learning from Playoff Shortcomings
Despite the Cavaliers’ blistering start, some observers remain cautious. Cleveland has yet to prove it can conquer the grueling nature of playoff basketball, especially after falling short in the second round last season and enduring some tough matchups.
Historically, teams without an MVP-caliber player often struggle to secure championships. While Donovan Mitchell has thrived in postseason moments, he hasn’t yet reached a conference final.
Interestingly, FanDuel NBA odds still list Cleveland among the top championship favorites—a testament to their regular-season formula, but one that will face intense scrutiny if playoff struggles resurface.
Sustaining Success: The Path Forward
The Cavaliers must stay healthy and continue developing their younger core members to maintain their grip on the Eastern Conference. Garland’s continued growth as a floor general and Mobley’s offensive evolution are vital to ensuring that Mitchell’s scoring prowess does not become the lone focal point.
Maintaining the intensity on defense is also essential, given the success Cleveland’s twin-tower setup has enjoyed in limiting opponent field-goal attempts near the rim.
Just as crucial, however, is the team’s collective mindset. The playoffs demand resilience, on-the-fly adjustments, and mental toughness.
While the Cavs are not short on talent, proving they can rally when adversity hits will be the next big step in their progression from an exciting regular-season squad to a genuine title contender.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ hot start has electrified fans and revived the city’s hopes for another deep playoff run. Stellar backcourt play, a versatile frontcourt, and valuable contributions from newly acquired role players have propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Still, doubts linger until the Cavs show they can outlast battle-hardened rivals when it matters most. Whether they fulfill their potential will depend on continued growth, health, and composure under the postseason pressure.
