No experts predicted the surprising start from the Cleveland Cavaliers to kick off the 2024-25 NBA season. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs haven’t lost a game to start the season and have reeled off a 13-game winning streak that includes a blowout of another surprising team – the Golden State Warriors.

Despite a roster without superstar-level dominance, Cleveland has found a winning formula based on depth, defense, and young talent. They do have NBA All-Star Mitchell and very strong players in Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen all three have been integral in sustaining this early-season success. Garland and Allen have been all-stars in the past, and Mobley looks to make his first NBA All-Star rosters. Add to that a strong roster of role players and you have the receipt as to how the Cavs are defying many analysts’ early predictions and NBA odds by FanDuel. This is coming from a team that’s typically flown under the radar in recent years.

Longest Winning Streaks to Start an NBA Season

Only a handful of NBA teams have started with such impressive winning streaks. Kicking off the season with consecutive wins is promising, but does that early chemistry translate to playoff success?  Let’s take a look: 7 of the 15 teams that started the season with at least an 11-game winning streak made it to the NBA Finals – even though that’s not a huge sample size, that is 46.6% odds. And three of those teams ended up winning an NBA championship. Here’s a look at the top 15 longest season-opening winning streaks, beginning with the record-breaking Golden State Warriors of 2015-16.

1. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (24 Games)

The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors hold the record for the longest season-opening winning streak in NBA history at 24 games. Led by that season’s unanimous MVP Stephen Curry, who averaged over 30 points per game that season, the Warriors were a historic force in both offense and defense. Alongside Curry, Klay Thompson’s perimeter shooting and Draymond Green’s versatile defense made Golden State an overwhelming opponent. Although they eventually finished the regular season with a record-breaking 73 wins, they infamously lost in the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a dramatic seven-game series.

2.  1993-94 Houston Rockets (15 Games) 

The 1993-94 Houston Rockets kicked off their championship season with an impressive 15-game winning streak. Center Hakeem Olajuwon dominated on both ends, earning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors. His performance helped the Rockets build momentum that carried them to their first-ever NBA championship. Guards Vernon Maxwell and Kenny Smith provided scoring and playmaking from the backcourt, creating a well-rounded team that could attack from anywhere on the floor. Houston’s defense, combined with Olajuwon’s leadership, made this streak an essential part of their successful championship run.

2. 1948-49 Washington Capitols (15 Games)

One of the earliest teams to set a winning streak record, the Washington Capitals began their 1948-49 campaign with 15 consecutive wins. Coached by Red Auerbach, who would later become synonymous with the Boston Celtics’ dynasty, the Capitols played with grit and efficiency. They advanced to the Finals, where they ultimately lost, but this streak remains a testament to their dominance in an era of evolving basketball fundamentals. Despite not winning the title, the Capitols’ early streak set the standard for success in professional basketball.

4. 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks (14 Games)

The 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks rode a 14-game winning streak to start their season, showcasing an offensive powerhouse led by Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley. Coached by Don Nelson, the Mavericks’ run-and-gun style made them one of the league’s most exciting teams, with Nowitzki’s shooting and scoringleading the charge. Although Dallas lost in the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs, this streak highlighted the beginning of the Mavericks’ rise as a Western Conference contender in the early 2000s.

4. 1957-58 Boston Celtics (14 Games)

The Boston Celtics opened their 1957-58 season with 14 consecutive wins, establishing themselves as an early-season favorite. Led by Bill Russell, whose defensive prowess redefined the center position, and Bob Cousy’s wizardry in the backcourt, the Celtics built their dynasty’s foundation during this period. They eventually lost in the Finals to the St. Louis Hawks, but this streak showed that Boston had the makings of a team that would dominate the NBA for years to come.

 

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6. 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers (13 Games)

As mentioned, this season’s Cavaliers have turned heads with their 12-game winning streak. Donovan Mitchell has provided offensive leadership, while Evan Mobley’s defense and rebounding have bolstered Cleveland’s interior play. With a mix of youth and experience, the Cavaliers have managed to compete with some of the league’s toughest teams, putting them in the spotlight as potential contenders.

7. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls (12 Games)

The 1996-97 Chicago Bulls started their season with a 12-game winning streak on their way to securing their fifth championship in the Michael Jordan era. Led by Jordan and Scottie Pippen, with Dennis Rodman dominating the boards, the Bulls’ relentless approach to both offense and defense made them nearly unstoppable. Jordan’s scoring, Pippen’s all-around play, and Rodman’s rebounding expertise created a team that could win in multiple ways, as they proved by winning back-to-back titles for the second time in the 90s.

7. 1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics (12 Games)

The 1982-83 Seattle SuperSonics started strong with a 12-game winning streak, led by Gus Williams and Jack Sikma. Known for their defensive intensity and disciplined team play, the Sonics were formidable in the regular season but fell in the first round of the playoffs. While they didn’t go deep into the postseason, this streak was a memorable start for Seattle fans who cherished the Sonics’ competitiveness.

9. 1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers (11 Games)

With a young Kobe Bryant and the legendary Shaquille O’Neal, the 1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers began their season with an 11-game winning streak. Under the guidance of head coach Del Harris, the Lakers looked poised for a deep playoff run. However, they ultimately fell in the Western Conference Finals to the Utah Jazz. This streak was an early indication of the potential that Bryant and O’Neal would later realize in their championship years together.

9. 1964-65 Boston Celtics (11 Games)

The 1964-65 Boston Celtics started their season with an 11-game winning streak, thanks to the powerhouse duo of Bill Russell and Sam Jones. This Celtics team was known for its defense, led by Russell’s shot-blocking and rebounding, and they went on to win the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. This streak was one of many impressive feats by the Celtics during their dominant run in the 1960s, where they established themselves as the era’s most successful team.

The NBA has seen many teams set the bar with season-opening winning streaks, creating franchise record breaking starts that propelled some of these squads to championships. Whether the Cavs can keep it going or not, it’s already been a memorable season for the Cleveland fans.