How the Cleveland Cavs ensured Kenny Atkinson and one of his assistants will be 2025 NBA All-Star Game coaches as the league debuts a new format.

By virtue of clinching the best record in the East, Atkinson has earned a spot as a head coach in the NBA All-Star Game.

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.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - As the best player on the NBA’s best team, Donovan Mitchell was an easy choice to start the All-Star game, and he got the official honor Thursday night. Mitchell will be joined in the East lineup by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, and Jalen Brunson.

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

Despite the loss, the Cavs remain top of the Eastern Conference, although the result snaps a two-game winning streak to leave their record at 36-7 – 11 ahead of second-placed Boston Celtics

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

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. This was a gritty matchup between two top teams in their conference, but the Rockets ultimately won 109-108.

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

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to recover from a tough loss, but they certainly won't be getting much sympathy from the Philadelphia 76ers.

It's Mitchell's sixth straight All-Star appearance and second career starting nod, both of which have come with the Cavs.

Throughout the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team ... to come off the bench], but I love it,” said Kenny Atkinson after Cleveland’s win over the Toronto Raptors.