The Cleveland Cavaliers kept it rolling on Friday night, improving to 27-4 with a 149-135 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. In the process, the Cavs made franchise history.
Their 149 points are the most ever in regulation. Via Cavs Notes:
“The Cavs’ 149 PTS tonight are also their most points EVER scored in regulation.”
The Cavs scored 154 in 1980 against the LA Lakers, but that was in four overtime periods. They also dropped 148 in 1991 against the Miami Heat.
This latest feat seems fitting for Cleveland’s dominant campaign. They’ve been thriving on both ends of the floor and currently rank second in the Association behind the Memphis Grizzlies with 122.7 PPG.
The majority of the first unit showed out on Friday. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 33 points, while Evan Mobley scored 26. Darius Garland also had 25 points and Jarrett Allen added 22. Everyone was getting in on the action.
The Cavs shot 47% from deep and nearly 60% from the field as well. It was a fantastic performance from the East’s best team. Cleveland is still unbeaten against Western Conference opponents this season.
Kenny Atkinson’s squad has now won six in a row and will continue their four-game road trip on Monday in the Bay Area against the Golden State Warriors.
While it’s still early in the season, the Cavs are looking the part of a legitimate title contender. They’ve beaten some very good teams who could stand in their way en route to the NBA Finals next year, including the defending champion Boston Celtics and the surging Milwaukee Bucks.
It’s been a couple of seasons now where Cleveland has failed to live up to expectations after swinging a blockbuster trade for Mitchell. Perhaps 2024-25 is where the Cavs finally make a deep playoff run and hopefully, bring another title back to Ohio for the first time since 2016.
