Resurgence of the Cleveland Cavaliers, The Cleveland Cavaliers have quietly emerged as one of the NBA’s most complete teams in the 2023-24 season, boasting the league’s best record since January 1st (22-6) and establishing themselves as legitimate threats to come out of the Eastern Conference. This remarkable turnaround comes just two years after the departure of franchise icon LeBron James for the second time, proving the organization’s rebuild has been both swift and effective.
In this 1,500+ word deep dive, we’ll explore:
-
The defensive identity powering Cleveland’s success
-
Donovan Mitchell’s evolution into a complete superstar
-
The emergence of Evan Mobley as a franchise cornerstone
-
How the roster’s construction creates matchup nightmares
-
Why this team is built for sustainable success
Defensive Dominance: The Foundation of Cleveland’s Ascent
By the Numbers
| Category | Stat | NBA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Rating | 109.8 | 2nd |
| Opponent PPG | 107.1 | 3rd |
| Opponent FG% | 45.9% | 2nd |
| Blocks per game | 6.2 | 3rd |
| Steals per game | 8.1 | 5th |
According to NBA Advanced Stats, the Cavaliers are:
-
Allowing 8.3 fewer points per 100 possessions than last season
-
Holding opponents to 34.1% three-point shooting (4th best)
-
Forcing turnovers on 15.9% of possessions (5th best)
The Mobley-Allen Effect
Cleveland’s twin towers have become the NBA’s most formidable defensive frontcourt:
-
Combined 4.1 blocks per game
-
Lowest opponent FG% at rim (58.7%) among starting duos
-
+7.2 defensive on/off rating when paired together
Donovan Mitchell: From Star to Superstar
Statistical Leap (2023-24)
-
28.4 PPG (career-high)
-
6.2 APG, 5.1 RPG (best since Utah days)
-
38.1% 3PT on 8.9 attempts (elite volume efficiency)
-
61.3% TS (best among high-usage guards)
Clutch Performer
Mitchell ranks:
-
3rd in 4th quarter scoring (7.8 PPG)
-
2nd in clutch points (5.4 PPG)
-
Shooting 49.3% in final 5 minutes of close games
Resurgence of the Cleveland Cavaliers, As noted by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “Mitchell has elevated every aspect of his game in Cleveland. He’s gone from explosive scorer to complete offensive engine while maintaining his trademark playoff intensity.”
Evan Mobley: The Two-Way Phenom
Defensive Impact
-
2.3 blocks per game (5th in NBA)
-
Can guard 1-5 at elite level
-
1.8 steals per game (most among centers)
Offensive Development
-
16.1 PPG on 58.3% TS
-
Expanding range (36.1% from three since January)
-
Playmaking growth (3.1 APG, up from 2.5 last season)
Roster Construction: Perfect Balance
Starting Lineup Dominance
The primary unit (Garland-Mitchell-Strus-Mobley-Allen) boasts:
-
+14.9 net rating (2nd best among lineups with 300+ minutes)
-
107.3 defensive rating (would lead NBA over full season)
-
40.2% three-point shooting
Bench Strength
Key contributors:
-
Caris LeVert (14.8 PPG, 5.2 APG as sixth man)
-
Georges Niang (41.3% from three)
-
Isaac Okoro (elite perimeter defender)
Playoff Outlook: Built for Postseason Success
Why This Team is Different
-
Elite defense travels in playoffs
-
Multiple shot creators (Mitchell, Garland, LeVert)
-
Size advantages at nearly every position
NBA Newsz’s Projection Model gives Cleveland:
-
96% chance to make playoffs
-
58% chance to reach second round
-
24% chance to make Conference Finals
-
9% chance to win championship
Read More: The Evolution of Nikola Jokić: How the Joker is Having His Most Dominant Season Yet
Conclusion
Resurgence of the Cleveland Cavaliers, The Cavaliers have rebuilt smarter and faster than anyone anticipated following LeBron’s departure. With Mitchell playing at an MVP level, Mobley emerging as a two-way force, and a perfectly constructed roster around them, Cleveland basketball is back—and this time, it’s built to last.
For daily Cavaliers coverage and playoff projections, visit NBA Newsz.
No comment