The Cleveland Cavaliers have been putting the league on notice since their season tipped off in October. They sprinted to a 15-0 start, but they still had many detractors.
But after three separate 12-game win streaks and signature wins over teams like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, people are finally giving them the respect they deserve.
The impressive turnaround from last year has been catalyzed by new head coach Kenny Atkinson. He got his first coaching gig with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016 and was lauded for maximizing what was considered a lackluster roster at best.
He took the Nets to the playoffs with D'Angelo Russell at the helm who hasn't been able to find a stable home since his departure from Brooklyn.
Atkinson had a messy exit from the organization, where the executives believed in him, but Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant wouldn't join the Nets organization without their pick of a head coach.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts during his team's game against the San Antonio Spurs at Barclays Center on March 6, 2020. Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The former Warriors assistant coach rebuilt himself and his reputation in Golden State, and now is grabbing the bull by the horns with this opportunity in Cleveland.
In Friday night's win against the Memphis Grizzlies, Atkinson led the Cavaliers to history by winning a franchise record 16 consecutive games.
For a team that has unveiled some flat-out bad lineups in their non-Lebron years, they've done an incredible job at terrorizing the league without a definitive superstar.
The James eras consisted of mostly hero ball, courageously trying to bail Cleveland's front office out of poor roster construction, they've joined the NBA's elite by doing the exact opposite.
While Donovan Mitchell is certainly an amazing talent, there isn't many people that place him in the upper echelon of NBA with the likes Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Luka Doncic.
The Cavaliers have crafted this record-setting season with an emphasis on balance and unselfishness, similar to the San Antonio Spurs dynasties.
While Cleveland is a far cry away from being a dynasty, they're certainly enjoying their magic carpet ride of a season. For the first time, maybe ever, they have an incredible chance to win the NBA Finals without James on the roster.
If they are fortunate enough to end the season on top, their entire starting lineup is under contract until the end of 2026-27 season. Toting one of the best second units in the league as well, the Cavaliers have all the resources for sustained success.
Related: Cavs Win 12th Straight Game, Become First Team to Clinch Playoff Berth
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 7:06 PM.