Cavaliers Equal Franchise Record with Impressive 8-0 Start

The Cavaliers are rapidly accumulating wins and building their confidence.

With an impressive record of 8-0, they stand as the only unbeaten team in the Eastern Conference, and at this rate, they might just aim to win them all.

"That’s the plan," center Jarrett Allen said with a broad smile.

Cleveland maintained their perfect record on Monday night with a narrow 116-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, who pushed them to the brink despite missing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injury.

Darius Garland led the way for the Cavs with 39 points, outshining Bucks star Damian Lillard in the closing moments as both point guards showcased their shooting prowess to the delight of a lively crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

“It was amazing,” Garland said after hitting 7 of 11 three-pointers, including a clutch shot that put the Cavs ahead 113-111 with 45 seconds remaining. “I grew up watching Dame. It was super cool playing some one-on-one basketball.”

Cleveland's success has been rooted in teamwork, which has propelled them to this stellar start.

With this win, the Cavs matched the best start in franchise history, equaling the 1976-77 squad that also began 8-0 before finishing 43-39 under coach Bill Fitch.

“We’re not doing that,” All-Star Donovan Mitchell interjected when a reporter mentioned the franchise record, clearly wary of jinxing their early success. “I did know that. It’s great. Obviously, you want to enjoy the little things along the way, and it’s fantastic to have that, but at the end of the day, it’s been just eight games.”

Perhaps, but the Cavs have managed to win all their games under first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, with a new standout performer emerging almost every night.

“We’ve won in so many different ways,” said Mitchell, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Cavs this summer. “That’s what impresses me more than the eight wins—how we’ve achieved them. We’ve had blowouts, close games, and come-from-behind victories. Every night, it's someone different stepping up.”

Atkinson has been unafraid to delve deep into his bench in nearly every game. Despite missing starter Dean Wade and key reserve Caris LeVert against the Bucks due to injuries, he utilized 10 players, including rookie Luke Travers, who was making only his second appearance.

“It just shows the belief in the group, from top to bottom,” Mitchell said, reflecting on his last-second jumper that secured a win against the Bucks on Saturday. “And the trust we have in each other.”

The Cavs are aware that a loss will come eventually, and while it’s unlikely they will challenge the NBA record set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who started 24-0, they are enjoying the ride, and nothing beats the thrill of winning.

“We’re all just locked in,” Garland added.