The Cleveland Cavaliers made their NBA debut in the 1970-71 season as an expansion team. From the outset, the team faced numerous challenges, including a disappointing 15-67 record in their first season. However, the difficulties they encountered weren’t limited to just their performance on the court.
A recent report by Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com has uncovered a surprising aspect of the Cavaliers’ early years. According to Pluto, the team didn’t just struggle with winning games, they also grappled with filling their seats. In fact, the Cavaliers went to considerable lengths to cover up just how sparse their crowds were during their inaugural season.
“The Cavs averaged 3,518 fans in that 1970-71 season, the fewest in the NBA. The Cavs padded attendance figures to reach that total of 3,518. Some nights, there were fewer than 1,000 fans actually in the seats,” the report read.
Cleveland Cavaliers Named a Wildcard Contender for the 2025 Championship
While a recent report from Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com has brought to light some negative aspects of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ early history, another report offers a much more promising outlook for the team’s future.
A Bleacher Report article has brought excitement to Cavs fans by including the team on a list of ten wild-card teams that could potentially compete for an NBA championship in 2025. The Bleacher Report staff sees great potential in the Cavaliers.
“Next year’s Cavs are better and deeper than its opening-year iteration. There’s no way a team with four All-Star types all in or approaching their primes peaked during their inaugural season. And if the wildly flawed version of Cleveland managed to squeak out 48 victories and a playoff-series win last year, imagine what a healthier, more talented, and better optimized version of that team can do,” the report read.
The team finished with a solid 48-34 record, placing fourth in the NBA Eastern Conference. It remains to be seen whether the Cavaliers can capitalize on their potential.
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