If you’ve been watching the Cleveland Cavaliers lately, you know the vibe is just different. The box scores are eye-popping. They aren't just winning games; they are turning the scoreboard into a pinball machine. Currently, the Cavaliers points per game average sits at a blistering 119.8, ranking them 4th in the entire NBA.
Think about that for a second.
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This isn't the grit-and-grind Cleveland era we grew up with. It's a high-octane, pace-pushing juggernaut led by Kenny Atkinson, who has basically unlocked a version of this roster that most fans only dreamed of in NBA 2K. Honestly, the way they are moving the ball is making defensive coordinators across the league lose sleep.
Why the Cavaliers points per game jumped so high
It wasn’t long ago that people were worried about the "fit" of the core four. You've heard it a million times: Too many small guards! The bigs don't space the floor! Well, that narrative has officially been set on fire. The biggest reason for the jump in the Cavaliers points per game is the sheer aggression of Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell is playing at an MVP level, averaging 29.5 points per night.
But it’s not just the Mitchell show. The team is playing at a 101.5 pace (6th in the league), which means more possessions, more transition buckets, and way more stress on the opponent. They aren't just walking the ball up the court anymore. They’re hunting for early threes and lobs before the defense can even get their feet set.
Breaking down the scoring depth
- Donovan Mitchell: The engine. 29.5 PPG on nearly 50% shooting.
- Evan Mobley: The breakout. He’s up to 17.9 PPG and looking way more comfortable as a secondary creator.
- Darius Garland: Still a wizard with the ball, chipping in 17.9 PPG despite some injury nagging earlier in the year.
- Sam Merrill: The flamethrower. 14.3 PPG off the bench is a massive luxury.
The Atkinson Effect on offensive rating
Kenny Atkinson didn't just come in and say "play faster." He revamped the entire shot profile. The Cavs are now 15th in three-point attempts, which might sound middle-of-the-pack, but they are making 15.0 triples per game. That’s efficiency.
Their Offensive Rating of 117.4 is 8th in the league, proving that this high scoring isn't just a fluke of a fast pace—it’s actually high-quality basketball. When you have Jarrett Allen (13.7 PPG) shooting 59% from the field, your floor is incredibly high. You basically can't miss when you're shooting layups and dunks all night because the spacing provided by Sam Merrill and De'Andre Hunter (13.9 PPG) is so wide.
What's actually happening on the court
Watch a game and you'll see it.
The ball doesn't stick. Mitchell is making quicker decisions. Instead of a high-screen-and-roll every single possession, they’re using Mobley as a hub at the elbow. This opens up those back-door cuts that make the Cavaliers points per game stats look so healthy.
Is it sustainable? Probably.
They’ve had games where they dropped 148 on Washington and 146 on Minnesota. Even in losses, like that 138-140 heartbreaker against Miami, the offense is clicking. The concern used to be if they could score enough to win in the playoffs. Now, the question is if anyone can actually stop them.
Real talk about the defensive trade-off
We have to be honest here. When you score this much, you usually give up a lot. The Cavs are allowing 117.7 points per game, which is 21st in the NBA.
It’s a bit of a "we’ll outscore you" mentality.
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While the defense isn't bottom-tier (they are 15th in Defensive Rating), it’s clear the focus has shifted. They are betting that their elite talent—Mitchell, Garland, and a growing Mobley—can simply overwhelm teams. It's a risky bet, but man, is it fun to watch.
Key takeaways for the rest of the season
If you are tracking the Cavaliers points per game for betting or just to flex on your friends, watch the road splits. Interestingly, they've been almost as potent away from Rocket Arena as they are at home.
- Monitor the 3PT%: If Merrill or Hunter hit a slump, the points will dip.
- Watch Mobley's usage: When he gets more than 15 shots, the Cavs usually cross the 120-point mark.
- The Pace Factor: If the game slows down to under 95 possessions, the Cavs struggle to find that same rhythm.
The Cavs have transformed from a defensive specialist team into an offensive powerhouse. If Mitchell stays healthy and Mobley continues this trajectory, 120 PPG isn't just a goal; it's the new standard in Cleveland.
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Next Steps for Cavs Fans:
Check the upcoming schedule for high-pace opponents like OKC or Indiana. These are the games where the Over/Under will likely be through the roof, and the Cavaliers will have a chance to pad those season averages even further. Keep an eye on Darius Garland's shooting splits over the next five games to see if he's finding his pre-injury form, which could push this team to the #1 scoring spot in the league.