Cleveland Cavaliers Cruise to Victory Over Golden State Warriors, Secure 10-0 Start in 2023 NBA Season
ICARO Media Group
### Cavs Dominate Warriors to Remain Undefeated at 10-0
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased an exceptional performance under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, dismantling the Golden State Warriors with a decisive 136-117 victory. This win at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse solidified the Cavaliers' perfect 10-0 start to the 2023 NBA season.
Using their newly adopted strategy of "drive, kick, swing," Cleveland was unstoppable in the first half, building an 83-42 halftime lead that tied the franchise record for most points in a half. The 41-point halftime advantage also set a new club record and ranked as the eighth-largest lead at halftime by any team in the shot clock era.
Warriors forward Draymond Green acknowledged Cleveland's dominant performance, noting that the Cavs played a style reminiscent of the Warriors' past successes. Atkinson, who served as a Warriors assistant coach before joining the Cavs, has evidently instilled a similar emphasis on ball movement and selflessness.
The Cavaliers were led by key contributions from multiple players. Darius Garland scored 27 points, Evan Mobley added 23, and backup point guard Ty Jerome chipped in with 20. The extensive teamwork resulted in 22 assists on 28 successful field goals in the first half alone.
The high-energy offense of the Cavaliers has been a crucial component of their success. Cleveland boasts the league's highest points per game average at 124.5 and leads in offensive rating with 122.7 points per 100 possessions. Atkinson's impact on the team is undeniable, as the Cavs have scored at least 130 points in half of their games this season.
The Cavs have also demonstrated a departure from their previous pick-and-roll heavy offense, making them more unpredictable and harder to defend, as noted by Green. What once was a more straightforward team to guard has now become a dynamic and high-scoring threat.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised the Cavs, attributing their success to continuity and strategic evolution. Despite the loss, Kerr acknowledged that Cleveland's rise has been progressing for several years, culminating in this impressive start to the season.
In the game against the Warriors, Cleveland's precision was evident as they shot 65.1% from the field in the first half, including 14-of-22 on three-pointers. The performance highlighted the teamwork and efficient offense that has characterized their season thus far.
Cleveland's bench also contributed significantly, with Ty Jerome scoring all of his 13 first-half points in the second quarter and Isaac Okoro adding to the overall impressive tally. Evan Mobley praised the team's seamless execution, crediting their preparedness and hunger for victory.
Having shattered several records and maintaining their unbeaten record, the Cavaliers have cemented themselves as a formidable force under Atkinson's leadership. Their strategic transformation and collective determination make them a standout team early in the season.