Cavaliers' Historic Win Marks 13-0 Start to the Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers have etched their names into NBA history with a 114-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, marking their 13th consecutive win to start the 2024 season. This achievement places them alongside just five other teams that have managed such a feat, joining an exclusive club of elite franchises. The win was particularly significant as the 76ers were shorthanded, missing key players like Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid.

Donovan Mitchell was instrumental in the Cavaliers' success, especially during the final stretch of the game. He exploded for 13 points in the fourth quarter, securing the victory and extending Cleveland’s unbeaten run. With his final total of 23 points, Mitchell showed why he's one of the league's top stars, but his performance wasn’t without a moment of self-reflection. Despite his game-clinching efforts, he was critical of a decision late in the game when he passed up a wide-open dunk in pursuit of a triple-double. Mitchell later apologized to his teammates, feeling the play was an unnecessary distraction. However, his redemption came swiftly as he nailed a pair of 3-pointers to solidify the Cavs' win and end any hopes of a 76ers’ comeback.

This record-breaking start to the season has drawn attention, with historical context placing the Cavs in rare company. Of the five previous teams to start 13-0, four advanced to the NBA Finals, though only the 1993-94 Houston Rockets managed to take home the championship. As Cleveland continues to build momentum, their remarkable start raises the question: could they be the next team to make a deep playoff run?

While the Cavaliers' victory against the undermanned 76ers may not have been the most dominant performance, it was another example of a team firing on all cylinders and making crucial plays when needed most. The question now becomes whether Cleveland can sustain this level of excellence and achieve even more as the season progresses.