By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The magical start continued for the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise after protecting its undefeated record in the ongoing NBA regular season.
During an inter-conference showdown against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers pulled off a come-from-behind win, 131-122, on November 7, 2024, to record their best-ever opening campaign in their entire franchise history.
With another victory, Cleveland just extended its untainted NBA win-loss record to nine wins without a loss and became the only unbeaten team following the loss of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Denver Nuggets.
The Cavaliers trailed early in the game after New Orleans’ superstar power forward Zion Williamson dominated them in the shaded lane, making four baskets underneath with back-to-back high-leaping dunks.
After the quick timeout, Cleveland began to roll and countered back with their own offensive rally to avoid a huge double-digit deficit heading into the second frame.
Part of the defensive adjustment that the Cavaliers made in the second quarter was deploying double teams to Williamson and sending quick help when he drove to the baseline.
As a result of a more disciplined approach to containing Williamson, Cleveland was able to equalize the ball game after the first two quarters.
Donovan Mitchell then took over in the second half, spearheading Cleveland’s 40-point barrage in the third that proved to be the turning point of the game for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland’s massive scoring display in the third helped them build an 11-point lead and the much-needed momentum entering the final 12 minutes of the high-octane affair.
Despite another hot start from Williamson in the fourth, the Cavaliers answered back with their balanced chemistry, dissecting the struggling New Orleans team courtesy of timely buckets from Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland.
Mitchell led the way for Cleveland and top-scored his squad with 29 points derived from an efficient 10/20 shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, Allen, the squad’s starting center, recorded another double-double and registered 16 markers, 14 rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and a steal.
The Cavaliers will aim for their 10th consecutive win without a loss on November 9, 2024, as they are set to face Stephen Curry and the rolling Golden State Warriors.
On the other hand, New Orleans seeks to snap their three-game losing streak on the same date, against the Orlando Magic.
