Thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning streak in season openers has reached 13 as they edged the Philadelphia 76ers 114-106 on Wednesday night.
Due to the fourth-quarter revelation from Donovan Mitchell from where he almost alone gathered 13 of his 23 points, Cleveland Twitter History made as they became the 6th NBA team to begin a season with 13 plus wins in succession. Philadelphia was without its players Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid, and could only compete but not effectively triumph.
Darius Garland, who led the Cavs with 25 points, reflected on the team’s mindset: It is just the quest of wanting to stay loyal to our game plan and play game by game only. And yes, we must understand that there is a bull’s eye on our back so we approach each game with that attitude and intent to deliver the allowance.
Of the previous five teams which had started 13-0 only the 1993-94 Houston Rockets won the NBA title.
Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak to 13 Games with Gritty Victory Over 76ers
Although Mitchell played hero down the stretch, he had a moment he wasn’t proud of: choosing to pass instead of going for an undeniable dunk as he had his first of his career triple-double in him. When he thought of it later he regretted, saying it was something he never would have done and that he felt awful. I was swept off my feet and I should not have gone for it. What do you want right now? I had the opportunity to get a triple basketball double, but that’s why I didn’t get it – I am not trying to be myself.
Despite the misstep, the Cavaliers were able to laugh it off, as their remarkable start remained intact. Cleveland found itself in a close game against a 76ers team whose lineup was depleted. Rookie guard Jared McCain gave Philadelphia a boost, scoring a career-high 34 points in his first start. But Cleveland’s star power ultimately tipped the scales, as they opened the second half with a 12-5 run and maintained control through the fourth quarter.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson noted that a halftime talk helped turn the game around: “They weren’t feeling our presence. We had to increase our energy and physicality to get back in control.”
They should also improve their play and they will do so despite having a flawless season by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last week losses to Bulls, Nets and Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo showed where Warriors are vulnerable. Now with a six game lead over most of the Eastern Conference teams they plan on extending their win streak as they target a match up with the Boston Celtics next week.
Mitchell too understands the early season victories are good practice but is not getting carried away. “It’s November,” he said. Right now we’re not entering into win a championship kind of games but these are good tests.” To be the best it is necessary always to compete with the best. “It’s all in your head, and we are developing the behaviours that we will need at some point.”