The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1970 as an expansion team and won their first Eastern Conference Championship in 2007.
Several losing seasons followed which saw the Cavaliers drop to the bottom of the league and become a perennial lottery draft team. After another disappointing season in 2002-03, the Cavaliers landed the number one draft pick in the NBA Lottery. The Cavaliers selected local high school phenomenon LeBron James. Also in 2003, the team colors were changed from burnt orange, red and navy blue back to wine and gold along with a new primary logo.
James' status as both an area star (having played his high school basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in nearby Akron) and as one of the most highly touted prospects in NBA history led many to view his selection as a turning point in the franchise's history. Embraced by Clevelanders as "King James," the 2003-04 season offered great hope for the future, as James rose to become a dominating player, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Hope was even greater for the 2004-05 season. James increased his production in terms of points, rebounds, and assists per game. Despite the loss of Carlos Boozer in the offseason, James teamed with Žydrūnas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden to form the core of the team. After a promising start, the Cavs began a downward spiral that eventually led to the firing of coach Paul Silas and general manager Jim Paxson. The team failed to make the playoffs that year, tied with New Jersey Nets for the final playoff spot, however the Nets owned the tiebreaker.
NBA achievements and milestones
One of three players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in their rookie season.
Includes Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan.
One of five players in NBA history to average over 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a season.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this six times), John Havlicek (achieved this twice), Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.
One of four players in NBA history to average at least 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a season.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this twice), Jerry West, and Michael Jordan.
One of two players in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for three consecutive seasons.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this eight times).
One of three players in NBA history to record a triple-double in their playoff debut.
Includes Johnny McCarthy and Magic Johnson.
2nd place all-time for consecutive 20-point games to start a playoff career with 19.
Behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 27 consecutive games
Most consecutive points scored for a team in a playoff game with 25 straight points.
Includes Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan.
One of five players in NBA history to average over 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a season.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this six times), John Havlicek (achieved this twice), Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.
One of four players in NBA history to average at least 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a season.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this twice), Jerry West, and Michael Jordan.
One of two players in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for three consecutive seasons.
Includes Oscar Robertson (achieved this eight times).
One of three players in NBA history to record a triple-double in their playoff debut.
Includes Johnny McCarthy and Magic Johnson.
2nd place all-time for consecutive 20-point games to start a playoff career with 19.
Behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 27 consecutive games
Most consecutive points scored for a team in a playoff game with 25 straight points.
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