Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is determined to keep Cleveland from getting complacent despite their historic start to the season.
The Cavaliers set a franchise record by winning their first nine games, and they aim to maintain their momentum as they host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
Cleveland’s latest victory was a 131-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, with Mitchell scoring a game-high-tying 29 points. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert each contributed 16 points, with Allen also grabbing 14 rebounds.
Kenny Atkinson made history by becoming the first coach to go 9-0 in his first nine games with a new team. Atkinson is no stranger to the Warriors, having served as an assistant coach with them from 2021 to 2024.
The Warriors are familiar with historic starts themselves, having won 24 consecutive games to open the 2015-16 season. While they didn’t achieve perfection this time, they are still 7-1 through their first eight games.
Their latest victory was a 118-112 win against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Stephen Curry led the way with 27 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield each added 16 points.
Golden State is in the midst of a challenging five-game road trip, and after facing the Cavaliers, they will head to Oklahoma City for a matchup with the 7-1 Thunder on Sunday. The Warriors may be short-handed, with Draymond Green (knee), De’Anthony Melton (back), and Brandin Podziemski (illness) all listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers are hoping to have Dean Wade back, as he has missed the last two games due to illness. Cleveland defeated Golden State in both of their meetings last season and will look to continue their success against the Warriors.
