When the Cleveland Cavaliers hired coach Kenny Atkinson away from the Golden State Warriors on June 28, Cavaliers fans expected a modest upgrade from former coach J.B. Bickerstaff. What has transpired since has exceeded even the most optimistic observers' expectations.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been faced with some tough tasks over the last few weeks. Their latest challenge came on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, who remain one of the top teams in the NBA.

After missing time with a high ankle sprain, Cavs swingman Max Strus is getting high praise from head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson did not downplay the excitement and hype hovering above Thursday's Thunder game

The Cleveland Cavaliers have largely avoided any major injuries up to this point in the season. However, the Wine and Gold are now dealing with a pair of critical player injuries, and some of them have already been ruled out for the Cavaliers' matchup against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Atkinson took over essentially the same roster as a season ago and has turned it into an East-leading contender.

Mar 11, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

BROOKLYN – The Cleveland Cavaliers brought the Phoenix Suns back down to earth Monday afternoon. The NBA’s best team ran away from the Suns, 118-92, after leading by as many as 32 points on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The Cavs battle the Suns with a 3:30 tip-off as part of the NBA's MLK Day schedule. Follow along here for updates and highlights from the game.

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points — 23 in the second half — and Darius Garland added 16 as the Cleveland Cavaliers began the season’s unofficial second half by beating the Phoenix Suns 118-92 in a holiday matinee.

CBS Sports recently gave every team a midseason grade, and the Cavaliers received a flawless grade of "A+." "The Cavaliers are first in offense, second in net rating, and have the best record in the NBA. No one could've predicted this team would've been this good," wrote NBA analyst Jasmyn Wimbish.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle broke down why the Cavaliers are such a tough opponent. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson discussed the first half.