CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers will put their perfect start on the line in the perfect place. “Boston Garden,” said Cleveland first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, who has yet to lose in his new job. “What's better than that?” As NBA games in November go, not much.
Unbeaten through 15 games after defeating Charlotte 128-114 on Sunday night , Cleveland will try to become just the second team to go 16-0 on Tuesday when it visits the defending champion Celtics, who bounced the Cavs from the playoffs last season. “It’s great for the NBA, right?" said Atkinson, the only coach to win his 15 games with a new team. "Everybody is going to be watching, and I know our guys are anxious.
I know they remember last year. We’re going well. They’re going well.
It’s great for the league. Great for our franchise. We’re excited.
” Despite resting All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell against the Hornets, the Cavs followed a familiar formula in joining the Golden State Warriors (2015-16), Houston Rockets (1993-94) and Washington Capitols (1948-49) as the only teams to open 15-0. Darius Garland scored 25 points, Ty Jerome added 24 while starting in Mitchell's spot and the Cavs got a combined 44 points and 26 rebounds from forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen to hold off the Hornets. They also extended the longest winning streak in team history and have given Cleveland sports fans something to be excited about in the midst of a football season that crashed long ago for the Brown.