Cavs Bounce Lakers In LA, Keep Right On Rolling Into New Year

January 1, 2025

The Cavaliers are sending a loud message to the rest of the league as 2025 tips off.

The latest example came on New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles, when they toppled LeBron James and the Lakers 122-110 and extended their winning streak to eight games.

They’ve won each of those eight by at least 10 points.

At 29-4, Cleveland still sits atop the NBA standings, pacing the league at a 72-win clip — just one game off the record-setting 73-win mark set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.

“This group, we know it’s about the playoffs,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. “We’re not focused on being the regular-season darlings.

“Our guys are locked in on the day-to-day process, and we’re keeping our humility in check. The record’s nice, but we haven’t done anything yet. It’s all about proving it when it really matters.”

And right now, Cleveland’s doing everything it can to ensure they’re ready for that moment when the games matter most. Even on the tail end of a back-to-back after a late-night arrival, they came out firing, jumping out to a double-digit lead within the first six minutes.

The Lakers — led by 35 points and nearly a triple-double from Austin Reaves — didn’t go away easily. But Cleveland maintained control for almost 47 minutes, their defensive resolve and an explosive third-quarter offensive outburst eventually putting the game away.

Jarrett Allen was the undisputed star of the night, scoring 27 points on 12-of-14 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds.

“Star of the game, no question,” Atkinson said. “He brought high energy on both ends. People don’t talk about him enough, but he’s a key part of what we’re doing here.”

Donovan Mitchell added 26 points, and Evan Mobley contributed 20 points and six boards in his return to Southern California, just a short drive from his former USC home.

Max Strus, still managing a minute restriction after recovering from an ankle injury, was also a key contributor, scoring a season-high 15 points off the bench.

Even with the Cavaliers holding a steady lead, the Lakers managed to make things interesting at times.

James, celebrating his 40th birthday just a day earlier, sparked a brief surge with a clutch three-pointer that had the Staples Center rocking.

But Allen quickly answered, scoring three straight baskets — including a pair of thunderous dunks that helped put the game on ice.

“Great finish to a tough road trip,” Atkinson said. “This was the toughest one physically –back-to-back, travel, all that. But we’re playing well, and that’s what matters. To finish the year with three wins over teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Warriors (all on the road), you can’t ask for more than that.”

The Cavs may have ended 2024 on a high note, but they remain focused on the larger prize ahead. With their chemistry and depth growing stronger by the game, Cleveland looks poised for something special come playoff time.

“It’s an exciting group,” Atkinson said. “The energy and connection we have, it’s contagious. When you have a group this tight, you know you can accomplish something special.”

Next up, the Cavs will look to keep their streak alive as they wrap up the road trip in Dallas on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. EST.