Pregame Dribbles: Suddenly, Cavs vs. Warriors Has That Big-Time Buzz Again

CLEVELAND — Random dribbles ahead of the Cavaliers’ home game against the Golden State Warriors. …

1. The Cavs have been the best team in the NBA, record-wise, through nine games. The Warriors aren’t far behind.

2. Ah, yes. The Cavs vs. the Warriors. Remember those days? Only these are two different programs entirely in 2024.

3. The Cavs (9-0) brought everyone back from last season, with coach Kenny Atkinson being the main new face. The Warriors (7-1) still have Steph Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr, but look a little different from last season.

4. Mostly, no more Klay Thompson (now in Dallas). Golden State is also going bigger than usual. Curry is still a monster from beyond the arc, but the Warriors aren’t as 3-point-focused as we’re used to seeing.

5. Don’t get me wrong — Curry, newcomer Buddy Hield and the rest will still fire them up. But the Warriors have more slash-to-the-basket types than we’re probably used to seeing.

6. But I think if the Cavs do their thing, they will win. There aren’t too many teams that can contend with them when the defense is at its best and they’re playing with pace and space.

7. As you probably know, Atkinson spent the last two seasons on the Warriors’ bench as an assistant to Kerr. Atkinson became a hot commodity for coaching vacancies because of it. Now we are starting to see why.

8. Eventually, the Cavs will lose. All of Cleveland is hoping it’s not this game. While the rivalry is dead, there’s still something about playing Curry and Green that brings out the extra-competitive nature in Cavs fans.

9. Last season, the Cavs swept the two-game series. So the Warriors will be extra motivated. Actually, until the Cavaliers lose, everyone will be extra motivated. Everyone will want to be that team.

10. I’m writing this too early to have any injury updates. Dean Wade has missed the last two with an illness. It sounds like he’s a game-time decision. Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton, who’s missed the last five games with a back issue, was upgraded to questionable. Green was also listed as questionable with a knee bruise.

11. I woke up this morning and my first thought was “I’m going to the Cavs-Warriors game.” At my age, and with as many games as I’ve covered, not a whole lot excites me anymore. It’s a long, long season. But the Cavs have been such a joy to watch, all of that seems to have suddenly changed. I can’t wait to get to the arena.

12. I’m guessing if you’re reading this, you’re excited about watching, too.

13. In case you missed it, the latest Full Court Cleveland show is out. It can first be viewed on Fan Duel Sports Network TV on Saturday night, following the Cavaliers-Nets game (as well as sporadically throughout the rest of the week).

14. But I’ve already posted it in its entirety on this very website. Oh, and also directly below.

15. Win, lose or draw isn’t a huge deal for the Cavs against the Warriors in Game 10. So please don’t overreact. (Wild guess: Some of you will, anyway.) Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and the rest have already given the Cavs a start to never forget.