Since the start of the new season, the Cavaliers have not lost a game and won 12 consecutive victories. This is their best start since LeBron James left in 2019. Behind the iron walls of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are firing on all cylinders, coupled with the careful coaching of Kenny Atkinson. , and the stable output of the bench lineup, the Cavaliers seem to have become synonymous with invincibility this season. So, where does this booming Cavaliers team rank among the teams that have had an undefeated start in NBA history?
Fifth place: 1996-1997 Chicago Bulls (12-0)
Speaking of undefeated starts, how can we not mention Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls? In Jordan’s first full season back from baseball, the Bulls showed amazing dominance, starting their second three-peat journey with a record of 72 wins and 10 losses. In the 1996-1997 season, the Bulls were even more unstoppable, starting a new journey with a record of 12 wins and 0 losses. In the end, they won the second of three NBA championships with a record of 69 wins and 13 losses. It is worth mentioning that five of the last seven teams in NBA history to start the season with 12 wins and 0 losses have reached the finals. This is undoubtedly a good sign for the Cavaliers.
Fourth place (tentative ranking): 2024-2025 Cleveland Cavaliers (12-0)
Although we can’t write the Cavaliers’ undefeated record into history just yet, their performance is indeed eye-catching. Compared with the 1997 Bulls, the Cavaliers also showed strong dominance. Their 12-game winning streak is the best start for an NBA team since the Golden State Warriors’ record-breaking 73-9 season. Moreover, they not only defeated rebuilding teams and injury-plagued teams, but also successfully defeated strong opponents, such as the 8-2 Warriors. This performance makes fans full of expectations for the future of the Cavaliers.
Third place: 2002-2003 Dallas Mavericks (14-0)
When it comes to the Mavericks, you have to mention Dirk Nowitzki. In the 2000s, the German tank, together with Steve Nash, built the Mavericks into a strong regular season team, winning more than 60 games many times. However, they always fall short in the playoffs. The 2002-2003 Mavericks were no exception. Although they got off to a 14-0 start, they eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Although Dirk missed part of the game due to injury, their loss was still regrettable.
Second place: 1993-1994 Houston Rockets (15-0)
After Michael Jordan retired for the first time, the NBA league ushered in a new pattern. The Houston Rockets seized this opportunity and won the championship for two consecutive years in 1994 and 1995. In the 1993-1994 season, the Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, got off to a 15-0 start and ended the season with a record of 58 wins and 24 losses. In the finals, they fell behind the New York Knicks 3-2, but with Olajuwon’s excellent defense and critical moment performance, the Rockets finally reversed and won the championship, and Olajuwon also won his first NBA championship.
First place: 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors (24-0)
When it comes to the greatest regular season teams in NBA history, the Golden State Warriors undoubtedly make the list. After winning the NBA championship in 2015, the Warriors carried the momentum into the next season, creating the best start in the NBA (24 wins and 0 losses) and the best season record in history (73 wins and 9 losses). However, what is unexpected is that this seemingly invincible Warriors team encountered tenacious resistance from LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the Finals. Trailing 1-3, the Cavaliers relied on the outstanding performance of LeBron and Kyrie Irving to win three games in a row, and finally secured the NBA championship with a low score in the seventh game and staged the NBA Finals. One of the greatest comebacks in history.
The Cavaliers’ 12-game winning streak is undoubtedly impressive, but if they want to leave a mark in history, they still need to move forward. Whether facing strong opponents or adversity, the Cavaliers need to remain calm and focused and continue to show their strength and team spirit.
Published in: Beijing
