The Cleveland Cavaliers Are Serious NBA Championship Contenders

The Cleveland Cavaliers are rewriting the narrative of the 2024-25 NBA season with a commanding 60-15 record as of April 1. Leading the Eastern Conference by four games over the defending champion Boston Celtics, Cleveland also boasts the second-best record in the league.

Guided by head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have shattered preseason expectations and emerged as legitimate title contenders. Yet despite their dominance, they continue to fly under the national radar, receiving less media attention than high-profile franchises like the Celtics, Knicks, Bucks, Thunder, Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Lakers.

Cleveland’s core—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley—has been electric. The team’s elite defense, execution in the clutch, and consistency across 75 games have made them one of the most complete squads in the NBA. Still, the national spotlight has often shined elsewhere, sparking conversation about whether the Cavaliers are getting the recognition they deserve

With just seven regular-season games remaining, Cleveland has created significant separation at the top of the East. Their 60-15 mark puts them four games clear of the Celtics, the very team expected to dominate again after last year’s championship run. Instead, it’s Cleveland that has flipped the script, consistently outplaying the league’s top contenders and proving their run is anything but a fluke.

Boston came into the season with a target on its back as reigning champs, but Cleveland has taken control of the conference. By winning critical matchups against top-tier teams, the Cavaliers have shifted the power dynamics in the East and established themselves as the team to beat.

The formula behind their success is a mix of defensive grit, offensive balance, and discipline. Opponents have struggled to find exploitable weaknesses, thanks in part to Atkinson’s system that maximizes the talent on hand while emphasizing team-first basketball.

Atkinson’s coaching has been pivotal. His system demands defensive intensity, crisp ball movement, and poised execution. Perhaps most impressively, his in-game adjustments have consistently given the Cavaliers the edge in tightly contested matchups.

Donovan Mitchell has taken center stage when it matters most, delivering in big moments and showcasing his ability to carry the team offensively. His clutch scoring, two-way impact, and leadership have powered Cleveland’s rise. Key performances against contenders like Boston, Milwaukee, and New York have only solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most feared scorers.

Alongside Mitchell, Darius Garland has excelled as the offensive engine. His vision, tempo control, and high-IQ decisions keep Cleveland’s offense humming. Garland’s unselfish play and orchestration have made the Cavaliers one of the most efficient teams in the league.

Defensively, Jarrett Allen continues to be a game-changer. His rim protection, rebounding, and ability to alter shots have made him a cornerstone of the Cavs’ elite defense. Allen’s presence in the paint forces teams to rethink their offensive strategies on a nightly basis.

Evan Mobley’s growth has added yet another dimension. With his rare blend of length, agility, and skill, Mobley has become a two-way threat. He can switch across multiple positions, protect the rim, and contribute offensively, making him one of the league’s most versatile young stars.

Despite owning the best record in the NBA, Cleveland remains underrepresented in national coverage. The attention often gravitates toward larger markets, leaving the Cavaliers out of the mainstream spotlight—even as they continue to build a season for the ages.

As the postseason looms, the Cavaliers are not just playing for wins—they’re playing for respect. They’ve got the superstar power, defensive identity, offensive cohesion, and coaching leadership to win it all.

With Donovan Mitchell leading the charge, supported by Garland, Allen, Mobley, and the steady hand of Atkinson, Cleveland has built a juggernaut. Overlook them at your own risk—because the Cavaliers are poised to make a serious run at NBA history.