CLEVELAND — Kenny Atkinson is basking in the glory of an impeccable start to his coaching career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it’s hard to blame him. Fresh off a commanding victory against the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs have made history, becoming the first team in NBA history to win their first 10 games while scoring at least 110 points in each matchup.

“10-0 is something special. It’s like a magic number, right?” Atkinson expressed, visibly pleased as he glanced over the box score. “I was a bit nervous because the Warriors are champions, but I was blown away by how ready and hungry our team was. Reaching 10-0 is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Darius Garland was the star of the night with an impressive 27 points, while Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 23 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 136-117 blowout against the Warriors. Not only does this stellar performance mark a historic start for the franchise, but it also positions Cleveland as a legitimate contender this season.

Atkinson’s dynamic offensive strategy is clearly paying off, as the Cavs lead the league with an average of 124.5 points per game and an impressive .526 field goal percentage. This is a significant leap from last season, where under former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cavaliers averaged 112.6 points with a .479 shooting percentage. Bickerstaff now coaches the Detroit Pistons, but it was Atkinson who brought new life, having previously served as an assistant coach under Steve Kerr with the Warriors.

Kerr himself praised the new head coach, noting, “This was a great job to get, and it’s a perfect fit for Kenny. They were already a good team last year, and he has only added to that foundation.”

A key to the Cavaliers' success has been their depth, with ten players averaging 15 minutes or more per game but none exceeding 30 minutes. This balance promotes an energetic and fast-paced style of play that has resonated with players like All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and other core team members such as Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, whom Atkinson has previously coached in Brooklyn.

Backup guard Ty Jerome highlighted the positive approach, saying, “We’re playing fast and the right way. Everyone is contributing, everyone is enjoying the game. The selflessness from Donovan and Darius is fostering this team culture.”

In a jaw-dropping first half against the Warriors, the Cavaliers established a staggering 41-point lead, matching the eighth-largest halftime advantage in the NBA's shot clock era. Yet, as Allen insightfully pointed out, the team is aware that there’s still room for improvement. Despite their excellent shooting, Cleveland struggled with rebounds and turned the ball over 19 times, resulting in 30 points for their opponents.

“We’ve got a lot to clean up, which is encouraging because we know we can be better,” Allen remarked. “Kenny’s expertise is evident, and we’re committed to putting in the work. We’re just getting started.”

As the Cavaliers continue this remarkable season, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if they can maintain their dominant form and possibly challenge for an NBA championship. Buckle up, because this team is just heating up!