For only the second time in franchise history, the Cleveland Cavaliers have punctuated a 7-0 start to the season. The catalyst for Cleveland’s hot start isn’t a flashy offseason acquisition or an exceptional rookie. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s roster continuity, an often overlooked element of team success. 

Coach Kenny Atkinson is looking like he can help this group reach another level after making it to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

The Cleveland front office kept their nucleus of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen intact and collectively, they lead Cleveland in each major statistical category this year. Even their bench is the same. Through seven games, the top 10 players for the Cavaliers in minutes per game were all on the roster last season — despite Max Strus missing from injury. 

Mobley is averaging career-highs in points per game while logging a career-low in minutes thus far. Allen is averaging 15 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. 

Team stats really paint how efficient this team is playing. They rank 2nd in scoring at 123.1 points per game, only behind the Boston Celtics (123.7). They lead the NBA in field goal percentage at 52.6%, and they’re second in 3-point percentage at 40.6%. Cleveland is 6th in assists per game while also boasting the third best team plus-minus at +14.7.

But even with all the right pieces, someone still has to be the maestro that makes it all work. To that end, Atkinson deserves credit. Atkinson’s only prior head coaching stint came with the Brooklyn Nets. In his four seasons, the 2018-19 campaign was his high watermark. The Nets finished 42-40 that year and Atkinson received the fifth-most votes for NBA Coach of the Year. Two emerging role players on that roster? Allen and LeVert, both current Cavaliers. Atkinson then served as an assistant with the Clippers for one year, and the Golden State Warriors for three more, including the championship team from the 2021-22 season.

The Cavaliers now have a team with great chemistry, All-NBA caliber players, depth, and a leader with experience on championship-level coaching staffs. 

Four of their seven wins are against playoff teams from last season. This resume, albeit a short sample size, is one indicative of a team that will be playing basketball into April and possibly beyond.