CLEVELAND — When it comes to understanding the remarkable transformation of the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, there are few voices more credible than those of Steve Kerr and Draymond Green. The duo, pivotal to the Golden State Warriors’ championship success, knows a thing or two about elevating a strong roster into a championship-caliber team. Under Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors not only became formidable but redefined modern basketball with their fast-paced, three-point-heavy style.

Now, as the Cavaliers find their groove, they are sending shockwaves through the league reminiscent of the Warriors’ rise a decade ago. Recently, Cleveland matched a franchise record by scoring an astounding 83 points in the first half of a game, eventually winning 136-117 against their opponents. This wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. The Cavs are not merely winning games; they are obliterating their competition.

Currently, Cleveland boasts the highest field goal percentage in the league, shooting over 50% overall. They lead the NBA in three-point shooting percentage and rank second in both made threes and point differential. Their impressive 10-0 record marks them as the last unbeaten team in the league, achieving the best start to a season since the Warriors went 24-0 in 2015-16. This success is anchored by the defensive prowess of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, two towering figures who solidify their defense.

At this juncture, it’s clear that what we are witnessing transcends luck or a temporary hot streak; it’s a fundamental shift in the identity of the franchise. As Green noted, “I feel like they just beat us with what we’ve beaten teams with for years. Just the ball movement, guys flying around. They’re so intentional about the extra pass.” The principles that defined the Warriors’ play are now being executed with precision by the Cavaliers, showcasing their evolution.

As the Cavaliers continue to impress, their new head coach, Kenny Atkinson, is at the helm of this transformation. Having spent several years as an assistant on Kerr’s staff, Atkinson understands the nuances of the Warriors’ successful system. Mobley, now playing a more dynamic role, resembles Green’s style of play with the Warriors. However, as Green aptly pointed out, “He’s 7 feet,” highlighting Mobley’s unique advantage that adds a new dimension to the Cavaliers’ game.

Atkinson’s influence has been pivotal in reshaping Mobley’s game and, consequently, the Cavaliers’ identity from a playoff contender to a legitimate championship threat. Kerr, acknowledging the Cavaliers’ prowess, stated, “Clearly one of the best teams in the league.” With the entire roster intact from last year, the primary change has been the addition of Atkinson and his coaching staff, which has ignited the team’s performance.

The comparison between Kerr’s initial impact on the Warriors and Atkinson’s influence on the Cavaliers is striking. Kerr’s arrival in 2014 marked a turning point for Golden State, just as Atkinson’s has for Cleveland. “This was a great job to get, just like mine was 10 years ago,” Kerr reflected. “Now, you’re just tweaking things and seeing where you can get better on the margins rather than trying to grow something organically. It’s a perfect spot, and Kenny has taken advantage.”

Kerr’s influence extends beyond just player development; he has also elevated his coaching staff, as seen with Atkinson’s growth in Cleveland. His ability to gauge the mood of the team has been instrumental. As Atkinson himself noted, “Steve has an incredible gift to understand the temperature of the team.”

Atkinson’s prior challenges in Brooklyn, where he struggled with star players, seem distant now. In Cleveland, he has the support of Donovan Mitchell and has built trust with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert from their shared history. This camaraderie has fostered a collaborative environment, resulting in noticeable improvements on the court.

Under Atkinson’s guidance, the Cavaliers have implemented a more motion-oriented offense, which has resulted in better shot quality. In their recent game against the Warriors, they employed screens near midcourt to exploit Golden State’s defensive schemes, leading to easy baskets. The Cavaliers have transformed from a team reliant on pick-and-roll plays to a multifaceted offense capable of scoring from various angles. Remarkably, they scored 136 points on a night when their star player, Mitchell, struggled with his shooting, exemplifying their depth and versatility.

As both the Cavaliers and Warriors navigate their respective paths, it’s evident that they have evolved significantly since their last Finals matchups. Green and Steph Curry remain the cornerstones of the Warriors, while the Cavaliers have undergone a complete overhaul since their last Finals appearance in 2018. With a young, athletic roster that excels defensively and can compete offensively with any team, the Cavaliers are poised for a bright future.

Among the impressive milestones this season, the Cavaliers have already surpassed 130 points in five games, matching the franchise record for such feats — and they achieved this in just 10 games. The question remains: where will this journey take them?

(Top photo of Kenny Atkinson and Steph Curry: Jason Miller/Getty Images)