The Cleveland Cavaliers have stormed out to a 14-0 start this season etching their names alongside some of the most iconic teams in professional basketball history. The Cavaliers’ hot streak put them in rare company as just the sixth team in NBA or BAA history to achieve such a start. For a franchise that’s seen its share of ups and downs, including the LeBron James era, this milestone feels like uncharted territory. What makes this season’s Cavaliers special, and how do they stack up against other teams that blazed similar trails?
The 1948-49 Washington Capitols might seem like a distant memory in this conversation since the organization has not existed in over 50 years, but their 15-0 start in the Basketball Association of America was groundbreaking for its time. Coached by Red Auerbach, the Capitols set a standard for excellence during a formative era of professional basketball. The team, led by Bones McKinney and Fred Scolari, was built around teamwork and consistency, attributes the Cavaliers are also showcasing. Much like those early pioneers, Cleveland’s success has been tied to their ability to get contributions from multiple players. Six Cavaliers, including Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, are averaging double figures in scoring. This balanced attack mirrors the collective effort that powered the Capitols to their historic start.
Fast forward to the 1957-58 Boston Celtics, another team that began 14-0. Unlike the Capitols, the Celtics were led by future legends like Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, whose dominance foreshadowed Boston’s dynasty. What’s striking about the comparison is how Cleveland’s coach Kenny Atkinson emphasizes humility and staying grounded, much like Auerbach did with his Celtics squad. However, where Russell’s Celtics relied on their defense and Russell’s game-changing shot-blocking ability, Cleveland’s hallmark has been ball movement and scoring efficiency. With Mitchell delivering clutch performances and Garland leading the charge, the Cavaliers might lack a singular defensive presence like Russell but make up for it with their offensive depth.
The 1993-94 Houston Rockets provide an intriguing parallel to Cleveland’s current run. Led by Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets started 15-0 and ultimately rode that momentum to an NBA championship. Olajuwon’s dominance in the paint was Houston’s calling card, and while the Cavaliers don’t have a player of his caliber, they have found success in a different way. Jarrett Allen’s presence in the paint offers Cleveland a reliable defensive anchor, but it’s the team’s adaptability and guard play that make them so dangerous. Olajuwon had to carry much of the load for the Rockets, whereas Cleveland thrives on spreading the responsibility. Whether this collective approach can translate into postseason success remains to be seen, but the parallels between the two teams’ composure and execution in high-pressure moments are clear.
Looking at the 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks, who went 14-0 to start their campaign, you see another team that thrived on offensive firepower. Dirk Nowitzki was their superstar, and alongside Steve Nash and Michael Finley, Dallas overwhelmed opponents with their scoring. The Cavaliers’ approach, while not identical, shows similar traits. Donovan Mitchell, much like Nowitzki, is the engine driving his team’s success, stepping up when the team needs him most. His 11 points in the final three minutes against Philadelphia showcased his ability to close out games, a trait the Mavericks leaned on heavily with Nowitzki. But Cleveland’s defensive commitment gives them an edge that Dallas didn’t always have during their run.
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors are perhaps the most natural comparison to these Cavaliers, especially given the Warriors’ record-setting 24-0 start. Golden State redefined modern basketball with their pace-and-space offense and three-point shooting. While Cleveland doesn’t possess the same level of firepower as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, they do excel in creating open looks and sharing the ball. Mitchell’s clutch shooting is reminiscent of Curry’s ability to take over games, and the Cavaliers’ unselfishness mirrors the Warriors’ emphasis on teamwork. That said, the Warriors carried a swagger and confidence that came from winning the 2015 championship, something Cleveland is still building.
One comparison that might feel less obvious but no less fascinating is the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Though the Bulls didn’t start the season 13-0, their historic 72-10 campaign is often seen as the gold standard in NBA history. What stands out about those Bulls was their ability to win in different ways, leaning on Michael Jordan’s scoring, Scottie Pippen’s versatility, and Dennis Rodman’s rebounding and defense. While Cleveland lacks a Jordan-esque figure, their ability to win games through different contributors—whether it’s Mitchell’s scoring, Garland’s playmaking, or Mobley’s versatility—draws a faint echo of those Bulls. Additionally, Cleveland, much like Chicago in the mid-90s, is learning to thrive as the hunted, a position Mitchell acknowledged after the win over Philadelphia.
What makes this Cavaliers run particularly compelling is the context of their franchise history. During LeBron James’ two stints with the team, they never managed to start a season this dominantly. In his rookie year, Cleveland went 4-10 in their first 14 games, showcasing the growing pains of a young team trying to find its identity. Even when LeBron returned to Cleveland in 2014 after winning two championships with the Miami Heat, the Cavaliers started just 7-7 in their first 14 games. Despite their eventual success during the 2014-15 season the Cavs under LeBron were never able to establish this kind of early-season dominance.
This year’s team, in contrast, feels fresh and unburdened by the expectations that often followed LeBron-led squads. While LeBron’s presence was transformative, it also came with intense scrutiny and pressure. This year’s Cavaliers, though carrying the weight of a historic winning streak, seem to be enjoying the ride. Donovan Mitchell’s comments about staying grounded and Darius Garland’s acknowledgment of areas for improvement reflect a team that’s both confident and self-aware.
Here’s the thing folks: Sustaining this level of success over an entire season is a different challenge altogether. The aforementioned teams all faced their own tests. None of them winning a title including the Warriors, who went 73-9 in the regular season who fell short in the NBA Finals LeBron and the Cavaliers. I believe the real test for this years Cavaliers squad will come in the playoffs when the stakes are much higher.
With that… Cleveland’s fans should savor this moment as this years Cavaliers team is writing their own chapter in NBA history, and comparisons to past great teams only highlight the magnitude of their achievement.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.