Cavs coach Atkinson reveals the secret behind the team’s success

Since losing to Boston back on February 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers (56-10) have yet to taste defeat as Kenny Atkinson’s side have recorded 16 straight wins, creating a new franchise record.

The have the chance to make that 17 on Sunday as they welcome Orlando Magic to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse before heading out for five back-to-back road games.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Orlando game, coach Atkinson offered some insight as to what makes his team tick.

“We’re not letting go of the rope -- mentally or physically,” “Against Memphis we were prepared for the physical battle and we met that. We were the more aggressive team. A lot of teams when you lose your top guy there’s a big drop-off. For us, there’s very little drop-off.”

‘Playing with joy’

The 57-year-old added: “The guys are locked in -- they’re playing with joy,” Atkinson said. “We’re obviously talented, we’re very skilled, we’re connected and we play with enthusiasm. But with that, you’ve got to come out with force and focus. And we are doing all of the above”.

Star player Donovan Mitchell has missed the last two games with the Cavs with a groin injury and the shooting-guard is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Orlando come into Sunday’s game on the back of a 118-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with forward Paolo Banchero the danger man for the Florida team who managed 43 points and 10 rebounds on Friday.

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