WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Kenny Atkinson era is (still) off to a perfect start.
The Atkinson-led Cavs topped the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, 135-116. Cleveland improved its record to 3-0, the first time starting with three consecutive wins since 2020-21 — ironically, the first full season with former coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm.
There’s just something about a new coach.
Playing their third game in four nights and second of a back-to-back, the heavy-legged Cavs got off to a sluggish and turnover-filled start. But the rebuilding Wizards couldn’t capitalize, leading just once all night — 2-0.
By the end of an uneven first half, the Cavs were in front by six points. It was the first time all year failing to reach the 60-point mark in the first half. Just one point short.
Cleveland came out of the locker room with a 12-2 surge, increasing the lead to 16 points, its biggest of the night to that point. Eventually the Cavs went up by a game-high 27 early in the fourth quarter, as both teams started sprinkling in the non-regulars.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who has willingly taken a step back early this season in hopes of empowering his younger teammates, poured in a season-high 30 points on 11 of 18 shooting and 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Mitchell tallied 23 of those points in a signature second half that featured forceful drives, acrobatic finishes and a barrage of triples.
His backcourt mate, Darius Garland, chipped in with 23 points on an efficient 9 of 11 from the field and 4 of 5 from beyond the arc in 24 minutes. Garland didn’t play in the fourth quarter. Didn’t need to with the game getting out of hand.
Center Jarrett Allen tallied 23 points, hitting all 10 of his shot attempts, falling one short of matching his career-best mark of 11 consecutive shots without a miss.
Ty Jerome (14), Evan Mobley (14), Sam Merrill (11) and Caris LeVert (10) also scored in double figures, as the Cavs continued their torrid offensive pace to open the season.
On Saturday night, Cleveland shot 54% from the field and 46.2% from 3.
The Wizards were led by former first-round pick Bilal Coulibaly, who finished with 23 points. Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole had 14 points apiece.
Tougher tests are coming. The Cavs know that. But they are focused on themselves early in the season. Three games. Three wins. Can’t do any better.
Up next
The Cavs will continue this two-game road trip with a matchup against the New York Knicks on Monday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.