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CLEVELAND (AP)— During training camp, Kenny Atkinson envisioned a realistic target for the Cleveland Cavaliers: achieving 50 wins and securing a top-three position in the Eastern Conference.
However, the Cavaliers have exceeded those aspirations, prompting Atkinson to strategize for a potential championship chase.
Cleveland secured the top spot in the East after defeating the Chicago Bulls 135-113. This marks the fourth occasion in franchise history that the Cavaliers will enter the playoffs as the conference’s best team. The last instance was in 2016 when the Cavaliers claimed their inaugural NBA championship, giving the city of Cleveland its first major sports title in 52 years.
“Atkinson expressed, “We should celebrate these achievements. Earning the number one seed is a tough task. We have a strong desire for more.”
There’s plenty to celebrate about this squad. #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/JhrbxvJo14
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs)April 9, 2025
Last season, Cleveland finished with a 48-34 record and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they were defeated by the eventual NBA champion Boston in five games. Following the season, J.B. Bickerstaff was let go and replaced by Atkinson.
Under the new leadership of Atkinson, Cleveland got off to an impressive start, becoming just the fourth team in NBA history to win its first 15 games. They have also become the third franchise ever to record at least three winning streaks of 12 games in a single season, highlighted by a remarkable 16-game streak between February 3 and March 14.
Although the Cavaliers faced a dip in form, losing four consecutive matches after their franchise-record winning streak, they have bounced back, winning seven of their last ten games. With a record of 63-16, they aim to win their last three games to match the franchise record for most wins in a season.
“We started off incredibly fast and got a lead early on. Though we experienced some fluctuations last month, I’m proud of the team’s resilience,” Atkinson remarked.
Atkinson has had initial discussions with his coaching staff regarding the strategies for the remainder of the regular season now that the top seed is secured, but those conversations are set to intensify with three games left before the playoffs commence.
Cleveland has upcoming away games against Indiana and New York on Thursday and Friday, followed by a home match against the Pacers on Sunday.
With their first playoff game likely not occurring until April 20, finding the right balance between ensuring players peak at the right time for the postseason and providing adequate rest with their top seed secured is crucial.
“Atkinson noted, “We have several options available. This will be a collaborative effort, and the players will be involved in the process. How do they feel about maintaining their rhythm? We might conduct intrasquad scrimmages or engage in various activities to prepare.”
Ty Jerome, a guard for the Cavaliers, mentioned that many teams share the same situation going into the playoffs, facing a prolonged rest period before the first round begins.
“You take advantage of that week to rehabilitate your body, squeeze in an additional workout, and engage in quality practices that have been scarce since the All-Star break,” he explained.
One player that Atkinson is considering resting for the remainder of the regular season is Donovan Mitchell. The star guard missed Tuesday’s game due to a sprained left ankle sustained during last Sunday’s loss to Sacramento.
Mitchell, who leads the team with an average of 24 points, will have a say in the decision about the final three games, but Atkinson prefers that he takes some time off to recover.
In Mitchell’s absence, Darius Garland broke free from his shooting slump, scoring 28 points. The sixth-year guard had struggled previously, going 34 of 90 from the field and 15 of 43 from three-point range over his last six games before Tuesday; however, he shot 10 of 17 and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc against the Bulls.
“Seeing the ball go through the hoop felt great. My teammates encouraged me to be myself. It was definitely nice to have one of those games,” Garland said.
Garland also recognized the heightened expectations for the Cavaliers after earning the top seed.
“It’s different now that we’re being pursued. We must consistently perform at our best, regardless of the opponent. I think that raises our level of intensity,” he remarked.
