A defeat on Wednesday evening obviously would not have erased the Cavaliers' excellent season, but it is certain that a victory crowns the efforts and progress of this team. Because facing the Thunder who remained on 15 consecutive victories was a hell of a challenge, perhaps the most important since the start of this 2024/25 financial year.
“It’s so awesome. This buzz around the match, it feels like the NCAA tournament”, commented Kenny Atkinson before the meeting. The coach, before the last quarter, in the short moment when he responded to ESPN, confirmed that it was a “excellent match”. He was right since this shock kept its promises, with suspense and a high level of play. So much for form.
Basically, it is above all the victory of the Cavaliers that we must remember. “The players said they wouldn’t have won this match last season”indicates the Cleveland coach. Donovan Mitchell confirms his coach's words.
“We were 31-4 and people still didn’t believe it. There, we won and nothing has changed”
“It shows our progress. I told everyone after the match: we wouldn't have won this game last season.” insists the rear, who was very clumsy with 11 points at 3/16 on the shoot. “All the players brought positive things, whether it was points, rebounds, defense. It's a collective victory and it's what will make us the team we want to be. Honestly, it's a big victory. We can be satisfied with that even if it's only a success, we didn't win the title, but we can be proud. »
With 11 victories in a row, still no defeats against Western teams and a superb record of 32-4, the Ohio troops are indeed the best team of this first part of the season. And beating this Thunder, in a meeting expected by everyone and broadcast on ESPN, will perhaps open the eyes of the skeptics.
“It’s very clear that we are among the favorites. We don’t wait for the national media to validate us and say that we are part of it,” explains Donovan Mitchell. “We know it, but we still have to prove it on the floor. We were 31-4 and people still didn't believe it. There, we won and nothing changed. We must continue to be ourselves. »
