The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a roll that’s grabbing the league’s attention. With a 114-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, Cleveland clinched its 13th straight victory, becoming only the sixth team in NBA history to start a season 13-0. Donovan Mitchell, leading the charge, poured in 11 of his 23 points during the final minutes, sealing the game and showcasing a level of determination that has defined the Cavs’ dominant run so far.
Cleveland’s Perfect Start Joins an Elite List
Starting a season with 13 consecutive wins is no easy feat, and Cleveland now sits among some legendary company. The last team to achieve this record was the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who went on to set the all-time season-start record at 24-0. Only five teams in league history have previously started 13-0, with four advancing to the NBA Finals. However, just one team—the 1993-94 Houston Rockets—turned that hot start into a championship. This places added intrigue on Cleveland’s remarkable start, especially with their mix of experienced players and emerging young talent.
Donovan Mitchell’s performance against Philadelphia highlighted the resilience of a team not only setting records but building confidence with every win. His 13 rebounds and nine assists were as crucial as his points, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court. Mitchell’s all-around contributions have been invaluable, as he’s provided both offense and stability when it’s mattered most.
Role Players Deliver for Cleveland
While Mitchell might have stolen the spotlight, the Cavaliers’ supporting cast played an essential role in securing this milestone victory. Darius Garland contributed 25 points, consistently finding ways to exploit the 76ers’ defense. Evan Mobley, adding 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds, brought energy to the frontcourt, further establishing himself as a key part of the team’s young core. Garland and Mobley’s ability to complement Mitchell has been vital in sustaining Cleveland’s win streak, allowing the Cavs to adapt on the fly.
What makes Cleveland’s winning streak even more impressive is their ability to rally in tough games. Wednesday’s matchup was no exception. After a closely contested game, Mitchell came alive in the final three minutes, reminding fans and opponents alike why the Cavaliers are serious contenders this season.
The 76ers’ Depth Tested Without Key Players
On the other side, Philadelphia faced an uphill battle, playing without stars Paul George and Joel Embiid. The decision to rest them due to left knee injury maintenance left the 76ers needing strong performances from their remaining lineup. Rookie Jared McCain stepped up, scoring a career-high 34 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 20 points and Caleb Martin contributed 18. Despite the loss, these players’ resilience showed that Philadelphia has depth and grit, even when shorthanded.
Philadelphia’s rotation was tested, and though they fell short, the younger players’ performances bode well for the team’s future. Jared McCain’s breakout game was particularly notable, as he found his rhythm against Cleveland’s defense, hitting clutch shots and displaying confidence on both ends of the floor. These are crucial development moments for Philadelphia, even if they come in a loss.
Quick look at the game leaders:
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Darius Garland | 25 | 2 | 4 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Jared McCain | 34 | 5 | 2 |
Cavaliers on the Road to Break More Records?
With Cleveland already off to such a blazing start, fans and analysts are wondering: How far can they go? While the Warriors’ record of 24-0 remains a high bar, Cleveland has shown a balanced attack and resilience that could see them threatening the record. Their combination of strong defense, rebounding, and shooting has made them one of the most complete teams in the league. The Cavs’ mix of youth and experience could be the difference-maker as they push forward, facing tougher opponents and the inevitable challenges of a grueling season.
One factor to watch is Cleveland’s health and endurance. As seen with Philadelphia, back-to-back games can strain even the most well-prepared teams. The Cavaliers will need to manage their players’ minutes carefully to maintain their momentum without risking injuries.
Will Cleveland surpass the Warriors’ record? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: this Cavaliers team is putting the league on notice, and fans should keep their eyes on them.
