LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers achieve incredible feat for first time without superstar

Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson has achieved something great with his side this season with his young core of players.

LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers achieve incredible feat for first time without superstar

LeBron James and Kenny Atkinson

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ ultimate goal is far from 60 victories. That does not, however, imply that they will not enjoy accomplishing the goal. On Sunday afternoon, Cleveland defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-122, giving the Cavaliers their 60th win of the season for just the third time in their history. This is the first time they achieved this feat without their former star LeBron James, thanks to Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson.

Before this season, the team accomplished its best record without LeBron, 57-25, twice before, in 1988–89 and 1991–92. Additionally, Cleveland last achieved 60 victories in 2009–10, going 61–21. The 2008–09 season saw a franchise-high 66–16 record. LeBron James’ first stint with the Cavaliers ended after those two seasons.

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Atkinson has become the 13th coach in NBA history with 60 wins in his first season with a new team. On June 28, 2024, J.B. Bickerstaff was replaced as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers by Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson has placed a lot of emphasis on developing close bonds with players and creating a supportive team atmosphere.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 60 games for the 3rd time in franchise history and 1st time without LeBron James.
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As demonstrated in the preseason-opening when he asked individuals what they were feeling on the court, Atkinson has given players greater control over the huddle and decision-making process. This has resulted in the Cavs’ eventual growth in the NBA this season. No one would have predicted to lead the Eastern Conference over the likes of the Boston Celtics, but they did.

As for the Cavs’ recent matchup, they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-122 on Sunday afternoon thanks to 25 points from Jarrett Allen and 24 from Donovan Mitchell. In addition, both stars opened up on the historic achievement for their side after the game. Doing it without LeBron James means a lot for the current Cavs stars.

Cavs star Jarret Allen shared his views on his side’s 60th win of the season

The Cleveland Cavaliers did something special on Sunday, and that was without their former star player, LeBron James. They won their 60th game of the season, first time without James and third time in franchise history. Center Jarrett Allen understood the significance of doing this for the first time without James without being asked.

After the Cavaliers won the region’s first professional sports championship in fifty-two years in 2016, the Akron native remains revered throughout Northeast Ohio. In addition, Allen knows this and opened up regarding the Cavs’ historic feat after the game.

Whether we like it or not, LeBron is the face of this city and has done so much. It is tough to break away from that notion or the records, the first to do it with LeBron here. We’re trying to do something special and hopefully we can.

Jarret Allen said after the game

Last season, the Cavaliers started to move away from James’ shadow after defeating the Magic in seven games during the Eastern Conference playoffs’ first round. It was their first series victory without James since 1993. Now, this season, they look like a side that will go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets for the 2025 NBA title.

Coach Kenny Atkinson heaped huge praise on Donovan Mitchell for his performance against the Clippers

In what Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson called his best performance of the season, Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell ended with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Evan Mobley, who scored 22, and Darius Garland, who scored 19, provided offensive assistance for Mitchell. The coach praised the maturity of the multiple time All-Star player.

He’s at that kind of maturity and mental level where he can manipulate the game how he wants it. I would argue that this was probably his best all around game all year.

Kenny Atkinson said after the game

In addition to his point total, Mitchell had four steals, making him a formidable player for Cleveland on both sides of the court. More importantly, with seven regular season games left, the Cavs’ victory puts them 4.5 games ahead of NBA champs Celtics in the quest for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.