CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs are in historic territory, 9-0 for the first time in franchise history, breaking the previous best of 8-0 set in 1976-77.
Cleveland joins a prestigious group of only six NBA teams since 2000-01 to open with nine consecutive wins. But while this early success is significant on its own, it also hints at something potentially bigger — a season that could set the Cavs apart from other teams with similar hot starts.
Overall, 20 other teams have started a season 9-0 in NBA history. Here’s how they have fared, and why the Cavs have an opportunity to redefine what this historic start could mean.
Champions:
1996-97 Chicago Bulls 12-0
The Bulls’ 12-0 start during the 1996-97 season — coinciding with Michael Jordan’s second three-peat — was one of the most dominant stretches in league history. Chicago’s defense, coupled with Jordan’s scoring brilliance, made them nearly unstoppable. The Bulls beat the Utah Jazz in six games for the championship. The Cavs’ defensive prowess, anchored by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, coupled with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland’s offensive flair, could echo this formula if they stay healthy and continue to mesh.
1994-95 Houston Rockets: 9-0
The 1994-95 Houston Rockets not only matched their strong start that ended in a 47-35 regular-season performance but also powered through to a second consecutive NBA Championship, sweeping the Orlando Magic to get the job done, cementing their place as one of the most formidable teams of the decade. Their 9-0 start set the stage for a season filled with new additions and growing chemistry, all culminating in another championship run led by Hakeem Olajuwon, earning his second Finals MVP, and a crucial midseason trade for Clyde Drexler.
1993-94 Houston Rockets: 15-0
The Rockets’ 15-0 start in 1993-94, led by Olajuwon, was a precursor to their championship run that season. The Rockets would go on to win the NBA title, defeating the New York Knicks in seven games. Houston’s dominance throughout the regular season (58-24), followed by their postseason success, is a model for what Cleveland fans can hope for, should the Cavs maintain their current pace.
Olajuwon finished the season as the league’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year — he further elevated his game, earning his first NBA Finals MVP award.
1964-65 Boston Celtics: 11-0
The 1964-65 Boston Celtics came out of the gate with an 11-0 start, finishing 61-18, fueled by the unmatched defensive presence of Bill Russell. As the league’s top shot blocker and rebounder, Russell anchored a Celtics defense that was suffocating and nearly impossible to break. His leadership on both ends set the tone, allowing Boston to dominate early in the season, while Sam Jones, who finished fourth in MVP voting that season behind Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West, provided the offensive firepower to keep opponents at bay.
Boston cruised through the Eastern Conference before defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals in five games for their seventh title in a decade. Russell’s impact was undeniable, and the 1964-65 season solidified his place as one of the most influential players in NBA history, while continuing the Celtics’ dynasty of the 1960s.
Teams that made it to the NBA Finals:
2015-16 Golden State Warriors: 24-0
The Warriors’ record-breaking 24-0 start led to a historic 73-9 season, an NBA record. With Stephen Curry’s MVP season leading the way, Golden State redefined offensive efficiency and perimeter shooting, eventually finishing first in the Western Conference. However, despite their dominance, they fell short in the Finals, losing to the Cavs in seven games. A title is never guaranteed in the NBA, particularly when dealing with peak LeBron James.
For the Cavs, Golden State’s journey emphasizes the importance of balancing explosive offense with the endurance and flexibility needed to win it all, especially as the Warriors and their fandom look back on Curry’s injuries throughout the playoffs that hampered him in the biggest moments.
2000-01 Philadelphia 76ers: 10-0
The 76ers’ 10-0 start led to a 56-26 season, securing the top seed in the East. Fueled by Allen Iverson’s offensive prowess and a gritty, defense-first approach, Philadelphia stormed into the NBA Finals before falling to the Lakers. This 76ers team proves that a strong defensive identity — fifth in the league for defensive rating (97.3) — paired with a star scorer can go a long way in the playoffs. For Cleveland, a similar blueprint could be forming, with Donovan Mitchell’s big moment scoring ability balanced by their depth and defensive identity.
1957-58 Boston Celtics: 14-0
The 1957-58 Boston Celtics established a 14-0 record to start the season, finishing 49-23, setting a remarkable standard for excellence that would define the franchise for decades. A season after winning the MVP, Bob Cousy was still running the show, alongside Russell in his second season in the league. Although the Celtics lost to the St. Louis Hawks in six games of the NBA Finals, their flawless start was a harbinger of the dynasty that would follow. Russell’s impact as a defensive anchor and leader laid the groundwork for Boston’s dominance in the 1960s, where they would win multiple championships.
1948-49 Washington Capitols: 15-0
The 1948-49 Washington Capitols set an unprecedented standard by starting the season 15-0, making a strong case as one of the most dominant teams in the early years of the NBA. However, despite their remarkable start, they fell short in the BAA Finals, losing to the Minneapolis Lakers in six games.
While their championship hopes were dashed, the Capitols’ dominance helped set the stage for the growing competition that would drive the sport forward. Their 15-0 start became a landmark in BAA history, setting a high bar for future teams to strive for as it was the final year under the name Basketball Association of America before the organization merged with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association on Aug. 3, 1949.
Teams that made it to the conference finals:
2013-14 Indiana Pacers: 9-0
The Pacers rode their 9-0 start to a 56-26 record, finishing first in the Central Division. Indiana’s season was defined by its top-tier defense, the top defensive-rated team in the regular season (98.3), powered by Paul George and Roy Hibbert. While the Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they ultimately fell to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games. Cleveland shares some of this defensive grit, especially with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the paint. But while defense will be critical, the Cavs’ offense — already posting four games with 130 points or more — could make the difference in taking them further than those Pacers.
2002-03 Dallas Mavericks: 14-0
The Mavericks began their season on fire with a 14-0 start, finishing the regular season at 60-22, good for second place in the West. Led by Dirk Nowitzki’s versatile scoring, Dallas made a deep run to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs, who had the best defensive rating during the playoffs (96.4). The Mavericks’ season demonstrated the importance of roster depth and offensive firepower, finishing with the highest offensive rating in the NBA for the regular season 109.3, two areas where the Cavs have shown promise. Like Dallas, Cleveland’s mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent could propel them deep into the playoffs if they continue to grow.
1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers: 11-0
The 1997-98 Lakers’ 11-0 start, finishing 61-21, was the foundation for one of the most dominant runs in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant formed a dynamic duo, and their early success eventually led to their three-peat. But in ‘98, they would get swept by the Utah Jazz, a series that Bryant would always remember and use as fuel for the remainder of his career. Cleveland’s core of Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen could follow a similar trajectory if they continue to build chemistry. Atkinson’s emphasis on player development could be the key to unlocking the full potential of this young group, setting them up for future success similar to that of the Lakers.
1990-91 Portland Trail Blazers: 11-0
The 1990-91 Portland Trail Blazers’ 11-0 start was led by Drexler. His all-around brilliance, paired with Terry Porter’s playmaking and the defensive presence of Jerome Kersey, powered Portland to a fast-paced, high-scoring offense and a top-tier defense, similar to the style that Atkinson wants to run with the Cavs. However, despite their regular season, Portland’s success did not translate to an NBA Finals appearance. They finished the regular season with a 63-19 record, the best in the NBA, but were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
1972-73 Boston Celtics: 10-0
The 1972-73 Boston Celtics began the season with a strong 10-0 record, finishing 68-14. With future Hall of Famers John Havlicek, Paul Silas, and Dave Cowens leading the charge, the Celtics showed their well-rounded game, combining stellar defense with offensive versatility. Although they lost in the Eastern Conference finals to the New York Knicks, their early dominance was a preview of the team’s continued excellence throughout the 1970s.
Teams that had early playoff exits, or didn’t make the postseason at all
2022-23 Milwaukee Bucks: 9-0
The Bucks’ 9-0 start propelled them to a 58-24 record, clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Yet, despite their regular-season dominance, their journey ended in a shocking first-round playoff exit at the hands of the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in five games.
Milwaukee’s early success was a testament to its elite defense, fourth-best in defensive rating during the regular season (110.9).
1997-98 Atlanta Hawks: 11-0
The 1997-98 Atlanta Hawks’ 11-0 start to the season was one of the most impressive in franchise history
The Hawks’ momentum faltered as the season wore on. They finished with a 50-32 record. In the postseason, the Hawks were knocked out in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets in four games, failing to capitalize on their regular-season success.
1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics: 10-0
The 1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics’ 10-0 start was a led by the team’s exceptional talent and balanced approach under head coach George Karl. With a roster featuring standout players like Gary Payton, one of the most dominant defensive point guards in NBA history, and Shawn Kemp, an athletic and explosive forward, the Sonics quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the league. They finished 63-19 before the Denver Nuggets bounced them from the first round of the playoffs in five games.
Payton’s defensive prowess was complemented by his ability to run the offense, while Kemp’s versatility and highlight-reel dunks made him the focal point of Seattle’s fast-paced attack. A similar offensive one-two punch like Mitchell and Garland.
1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics: 12-0
The 1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, winning their first 12 games of the season. But they’d end the season 48-34.
The SuperSonics’ playoff hopes were dashed in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers.
1979-80 Portland Trail Blazers: 9-0
The 1979-80 Portland Trail Blazers showcased the early promise of a team built for the future.
The Blazers, who finished the regular season 38-44, losing in the first round to the Seattle Supersonics in three games.
1970-71 Detroit Pistons: 9-0
The 1970-71 Detroit Pistons roared out of the gate with a 9-0 record. It was future Hall of Famer Bob Lanier’s rookie season that started beautifully but came crashing down. Detroit missed the playoffs, finishing with a 45-37 record. The ‘71 Pistons are the nightmare scenario for any team that starts off hot.
1960-61 Philadelphia Warriors: 9-0
The 1960-61 Philadelphia Warriors were led by the dominance of Wilt Chamberlain, even in his second season, the most imposing force in basketball at the time. Chamberlain showcased his unprecedented scoring and rebounding abilities, marking the beginning of his legendary career. Though they finished 48-33 and lost in the Eastern Division Semifinals to the Syracuse Nationals in three games, Chamberlain’s presence was already changing the game. His 38.4 points and 27 rebounds per game foreshadowed the historical feats he would achieve in the years to follow.
The 1960-61 season was the starting point for Chamberlain’s reign as one of the most dominant players the NBA had ever seen.
What this start means for the Cavs
Kenny Atkinson’s 9-0 start with Cleveland makes him the first NBA coach to achieve this record in his first season with a new team.
His impact is already evident, as the Cavs have adapted to his high-paced offense, balanced by a well-structured defense that keeps opponents guessing.
This mix has allowed Cleveland to tie last season’s total for 130-point games in just nine outings and positioned them just one game shy of matching the franchise’s single-season record of five such games, which has happened twice (2016-17, 2017-18).
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for Cavs fans is that none of the five other teams with a 9-0 or better start since 2000-01 went on to win an NBA title. The Cavs have a golden opportunity to make history as the first in nearly three decades, joining just four teams (1993-94, 1994-95 Rockets; 1964-65 Celtics; 1996-97 Bulls) that started 9-0 or better to win a championship.
The rest of the season will reveal if this Cavs team can continue defying expectations and deliver Cleveland its second NBA title.
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