Cleveland’s Core Ignites: Mitchell, Garland & Company Power Cavs to Historic Season and Bright Future
CLEVELAND — After a season filled with soaring highs, franchise milestones, and an electrifying playoff run, the Cleveland Cavaliers stand tall — not only as one of the NBA’s most formidable teams in 2024-25, but as a franchise with one of the brightest futures in basketball.
With a franchise-record 64 regular-season wins, the Cavaliers cemented their spot atop the Eastern Conference, powered by a cohesive and dynamic backcourt core that has fans across the NBA taking notice. Headlined by the All-NBA duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and bolstered by breakout performances from Ty Jerome and sharpshooter Sam Merrill, Cleveland’s guard group proved to be the beating heart of the team’s success.
The Spida Effect: Mitchell’s Leadership Shines Bright
In his third season in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell delivered arguably his most selfless and complete performance yet. Though his scoring numbers dipped slightly from his explosive 2023-24 campaign, Mitchell’s impact grew exponentially in all the right ways.
Averaging 24.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.34 steals per game, Mitchell earned All-NBA First Team honors and finished fifth in MVP voting, thanks to his leadership, consistency, and killer instinct in clutch moments.
Mitchell became just the third player in the league to average 24+ points and make at least 200 three-pointers, joining elite company in Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum. He also delivered 19 games with 30+ points and 233 total threes, second-most in Cavaliers history.
When the postseason arrived, Spida turned it up another level — including a 41-point classic in a comeback win over the Celtics and back-to-back 45+ point outings against Indiana, despite battling a painful ankle injury in the East Semis.
Garland Rebounds and Resurges
After an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, Darius Garland stormed back with a vengeance. The 6th-year guard suited up for 75 games, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting a career-high 47.2% from the field and 40.1% from three.
Garland’s ability to balance floor general duties with timely scoring made him a perfect co-star alongside Mitchell. He topped 20 points in 40 games and delivered memorable performances, including a 40-point, 9-assist masterpiece against Toronto in January.
Despite a toe injury limiting him in the playoffs, Garland’s growth and resilience solidified his role as a foundational piece in Cleveland’s title aspirations.
Ty Jerome: Sixth Man Breakout
Few players in the league elevated their stock more than Ty Jerome in 2024-25. After missing almost all of his first year with the Cavs due to injury, the former Virginia standout emerged as one of the best reserves in the NBA — finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Jerome averaged 12.5 points per game on an efficient 51.6% from the field and 43.9% from three, posting double-digit scoring in 40 games, including 10 with 20+ points.
His career-high 33-point explosion against Philadelphia — hitting a perfect 8-of-8 from three — etched his name in Cavs record books. And in the playoffs, he opened the Heat series with a 28-point effort and played a crucial role throughout the First Round.
Sam Merrill: Sharpshooting Specialist
Sam Merrill continued his rise as one of the league’s most dependable long-range threats. Averaging 7.2 points in 19.2 minutes per game, Merrill drilled 137 three-pointers — helping the Cavaliers’ bench set an NBA record for most triples by a second unit.
Known for his calm composure and deadly range, Merrill’s season was highlighted by a career-best nine threes against Dallas and a 20-point game against Utah. In the playoffs, he stepped up in a starting role when injuries hit the backcourt and proved he could handle the pressure of postseason basketball.
A Foundation for Greatness
With head coach Kenny Atkinson seamlessly blending veteran poise with youthful energy, and a front office committed to keeping the core intact, the Cavaliers are not rebuilding — they’re reloading.
Add in frontcourt stars like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, along with continued development from a deep bench, and it’s easy to see why Cleveland is poised to compete for a championship as early as next season.
As the NBA turns its eyes toward the Draft and offseason, one thing is certain:
The Cavs are no longer the hunters — they’re the hunted.
And with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and company leading the charge, Cleveland’s core isn’t just igniting a season — they’re
sparking a new era of Cavaliers dominance.
