Cleveland Cavaliers: Riding High Under Kenny Atkinson
Former Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson has made an impressive impact in his first season as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atkinson, who spent three seasons with the Warriors and contributed to their 2021-22 championship, has brought a high-tempo offensive approach to Cleveland, mirroring Golden State’s signature style. This strategy has paid off handsomely for the Cavaliers, who currently hold the NBA’s best record.
Recent Performance:
- Winning Streak: The Cavaliers are on a six-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 11 games.
- High-Scoring Games: Cleveland opened their four-game Western Conference road trip with a 149-135 win over the Denver Nuggets, marking their season-high in points.
- Key Players: Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 23.6 points per game, followed by Darius Garland with 20.6 points and Evan Mobley with 18.8 points.
Offensive Prowess:
- Three-Point Shooting: A significant aspect of Cleveland’s potent offense is their exceptional three-point shooting. They hit 23 triples against Denver and average 16.3 made three-pointers per game.
- Efficiency: The Cavaliers boast a league-leading 40.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc, showcasing their shot quality and efficiency.
Golden State Warriors: Seeking Consistency
The Golden State Warriors, led by two-time MVP Steph Curry, are not far behind Cleveland in three-pointers made per game, with an average of 15. However, their shooting percentage is around the middle of the NBA at 36.2 percent. Curry, shooting 40.6 percent from outside, averages a team-leading 22.5 points per game but is on pace for his fewest made threes per game in a full season since 2017-18.
Recent Performance:
- Key Contributions: Following their 109-105 win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, the Warriors are above .500 after a rough stretch of losing six of seven games.
- Supporting Cast: Draymond Green emphasized the need for more contributions from Buddy Hield, who was acquired from Philadelphia in an offseason trade. Hield is averaging 12.9 points per game and shooting almost 40 percent from behind the arc.
- Emerging Stars: Jonathan Kuminga has stepped up offensively, averaging 16.7 points per game, with back-to-back 34-point performances against the Clippers and Suns.
Matchup Outlook
This matchup features two teams with distinct strengths and dynamics. The Cavaliers, under Atkinson’s leadership, have embraced a high-tempo, three-point heavy offense that has positioned them as a top contender. On the other hand, the Warriors rely on Curry’s brilliance but need more consistent contributions from their supporting cast to solidify their playoff push.
The game promises an exciting clash of styles, with Cleveland’s efficient offense facing off against Golden State’s seasoned championship core.
