From November 5th, 8th: Warriors and Cavs renew their rivalry

by Junna Base November 9, 2024

Stephen Curry and the Warriors were 2-0 against the Cavs last season.

Few rivalries in NBA history are as iconic as the battles between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who met in four straight Finals from 2015 to 2018. Now, as the 2024-25 season heats up, both teams are once again proving their dominance and are sitting at the top of the table almost three weeks into the season.

The Cavaliers (9-0) are the league’s only undefeated team and are off to their best start in franchise history, while the Warriors (7-1) have a five-game winning streak and an unblemished road record. When the two powerhouses face off in Cleveland on Friday 7:30 p.m. ET In NBA League Pass it promises to be an exciting duel between offense and defense.

Clash of the Titans

The Cavaliers stormed into the season with a strong offensive lineup that averages a league-leading 123.2 points per game. Their strong start includes scoring more than 130 points in four of their nine games, a feat they managed just four times last season and is just one point shy of the single-season franchise record. Donovan Mitchell leads the field with an average of 23.8 points per game, right behind him is Darius Garland with 19.8 and an impressive shooting rate of 46.9% from distance.

One of the most striking aspects of Cleveland’s game is their efficiency: They shoot 52.6% from the field, with all six of their top scorers having a field goal percentage above 48.0%. In NBA history, only six teams have shot above 52% in an entire season.

However, the Warriors pose a threat to Cleveland’s winning streak. Golden State ranks second in the league in defensive efficiency with just 105.3 points per game and has held all but one opponent to a shooting percentage below 50%. Stephen Curry leads Golden State with 21.2 points per game, but it’s the team’s collective defensive effort that has led to success. Their balanced two-way game was a recipe for success.

Curry and Mitchell’s long-range shooting will be on display, as will the role of their respective second-leading scorers: Buddy Hield for Golden State and Garland for Cleveland. Both players are currently shooting career highs from three-point range, making them crucial x-factors in this matchup.

Friday Night on League Pass: More must-see action

In addition to the Warriors and Cavaliers clash, NBA fans can enjoy ten additional matchups with League Pass. Highlights include a Finals rematch between the Nuggets and Heat (9pm ET)and a showdown between OKC and Houston (8 p.m. ET) as the Thunder try to bounce back from their first loss.