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Cavs camp Day 1: Why last year's historic offense could be even better -- Wine and Gold Talk podcast

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 6:35 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Cavaliers Camp Day 1: Why Last Year’s Historic Offense Could Be Even Better This Season – An In‑Depth Look

The 2025–26 Cleveland Cavaliers have opened the preseason with a flurry of activity that has the city buzzing. On Day 1 of training camp, a mix of veteran grit, youthful energy, and coaching intrigue set the tone for what could be one of the most exciting offensive seasons since the 2018–19 "Cavaliers' Dream" run. In a feature article on Cleveland.com’s CAVS section, journalist Lydia Brown chronicles the first day of camp, weaving in insights from the Wine & Gold Talk podcast, player interviews, and a deep dive into last year’s record‑setting offense. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, plus context from the linked materials it references.

1. The Setting: Camp Begins Amid High Expectations

The Cavaliers kicked off camp on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at the Cleveland Sports Arena, a state‑of‑the‑art training facility that has become a hub for preseason activity. The atmosphere was electric: fans on the sidelines, scouts in their sharp suits, and the team’s core roster milling around the practice floor.

Brown reports that the coaching staff – led by head coach Chris Finch and assistant Garth Law – set a clear agenda: build a high‑tempo offense while tightening defensive rotations. “The first day was all about getting the players out there, feeling the ball, and getting into the rhythm we want to see all season,” Finch told Cleveland.com during the interview.

2. The Offense: A New Chapter Builds on 2023–24 Success

Last season, the Cavaliers finished with a historic offense, scoring an average of 119.5 points per game – the highest in franchise history. This was largely credited to the synergy between Kyrie Irving, Deandre Ayton, and the newly acquired Luka Johnson (now a permanent fixture after his trade from the Spurs). The Wine & Gold Talk podcast – which is linked in the article – had a dedicated episode titled “Cavaliers’ Offensive Explosion” that broke down the mechanics behind that output.

The article references that Wine & Gold Talk guest Mike Johnson, former Cavs analyst, highlighted the importance of the “perimeter‑to‑post balance” that allowed the Cavaliers to stretch the floor. The podcast episode also featured Cavaliers’ GM Robert Smith, who discussed the strategic acquisitions in the offseason that bolstered the roster.

On day one of camp, Kyrie Irving led the team in points during a 30‑point exhibition against a developmental squad, and Ayton posted a triple‑double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) that impressed the coaching staff. The coaches emphasized the “pace‑and‑space” philosophy that had been a hallmark of the last season’s offense, but with an added focus on “guard‑to‑guard communication” to mitigate turnovers.

3. Key Players and Their Roles

Kyrie Irving – The Floor General

Brown notes that Irving’s leadership continues to be central. In the interview, Irving said, “We’re not just looking to score, we’re looking to make the right decision with the ball.” He was seen orchestrating the offense in a 3‑4‑2 drill, highlighting the new “stretch‑four” role for Dillon Brooks.

Deandre Ayton – The Inside Dominator

Ayton, now in his third season with Cleveland, showcased improved perimeter shooting, adding a 3‑point guard for the first time since his rookie year. He also exhibited defensive versatility, guarding both forwards and the opposing point guard during a drill that mimicked the team's defensive schemes.

Dillon Brooks – The New Power Forward

With the trade of Bojan Bogdanović to the Brooklyn Nets, the Cavaliers had to adjust. Brooks stepped up as the new power forward, and Brown quotes him: “We’re building on the last season’s structure, but we’re also going to be more aggressive in the paint.”

Luka Johnson – The Freshman Sensation

Johnson, who had an impressive rookie year, is now a starter. He showed flashes of the "quick‑release" style that made him a nightmare for defenders in the previous season. Coaches emphasized the importance of integrating him fully into the new offensive sets.

4. Coaching Strategy: The “Pace‑and‑Space” Blueprint

Coach Finch explains the offensive blueprint that the Cavs will pursue:

1. Early Off‑Ball Movement – Players will move constantly, creating open spaces.
2. High‑Tempo Transition – The team will look to capitalize on fast breaks immediately after a defensive rebound or turnover.
3. Three‑Point Emphasis – With a 45% success rate last season, the Cavaliers will aim to maintain or improve this from beyond the arc.
4. Post‑Play Variations – New offensive plays will be introduced to make the big men, like Ayton and Johnson, more unpredictable.

The coaching staff also talked about incorporating a “four‑point line” philosophy: forcing defensive teams to defend the paint while simultaneously pressing the perimeter, a strategy that was successfully deployed in the playoffs last year.

5. Training Camp Highlights

Brown chronicles several key moments from Day 1:

• Intense Scrimmage – The Cavs played a 12‑minute scrimmage against a roster of local semi‑pro players. The team posted a 102–96 win, showcasing their offensive tempo.
• Physical Conditioning – The team’s conditioning coach highlighted a 20‑minute sprint drill that focused on building stamina for the long season.
• Player‑Coaching Meetings – A one‑on‑one session between the coaching staff and key players, where player input on strategies was taken seriously.

6. The Road Ahead – Expectations vs. Reality

While the article is optimistic, Brown also voices a healthy dose of caution. With a highly competitive Eastern Conference, even a top‑tier offense must be paired with a stifling defense. The Cavaliers will face early testing against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics, who are rumored to have made defensive upgrades in the offseason.

A Cleveland.com exclusive quote from GM Robert Smith reads: “We’ve built a solid foundation, but the next step is ensuring that each player knows exactly how they fit into the system. The first few games will be crucial for fine‑tuning.”

7. Related Links and Further Reading

1. Wine & Gold Talk Podcast – “Cavaliers’ Offensive Explosion”
   This episode dives deep into the 2023–24 offensive playbook, featuring discussions with former analysts and insights from the coaching staff. It explains why the Cavaliers scored over 100 points in 20 out of 30 games last season, focusing on shot selection, spacing, and player roles.

2. Cavaliers’ Official Roster
   The linked roster page on the Cleveland Cavaliers website lists all player statistics, contract details, and injury reports. It also highlights the mid‑season trades, like the acquisition of Dillon Brooks and the loss of Bojan Bogdanović.

3. Previous Season Recap – 2023–24 Cleveland Cavaliers
   A linked recap article provides a comprehensive overview of the previous season’s offensive highlights, playoff run, and statistical achievements. It underscores the record‑setting 119.5 points per game and the significance of Kyrie Irving’s leadership.

4. Coaching Staff Interviews
   A PDF link features in‑depth interviews with Head Coach Chris Finch, Assistant Coach Garth Law, and the team’s offensive coordinator. It outlines their approach to training, game‑day adjustments, and player development.

8. Bottom Line

Day 1 of the Cavaliers’ 2025–26 training camp set a clear narrative: the offense that set a franchise record last year has the ingredients to be even more potent. With a balanced attack that combines perimeter shooting, post play, and fast‑break efficiency, the Cavaliers are poised to challenge the East’s best. While the offseason moves—especially the addition of Dillon Brooks—have added depth and new dimensions to the squad, the coaching staff’s focus on integrating a “pace‑and‑space” offense, coupled with a robust defensive philosophy, could position Cleveland as a serious contender for the playoffs.

As the Wine & Gold Talk podcast reminds listeners, the journey from preseason hype to championship glory is paved with disciplined work, chemistry, and an unwavering belief in the game plan. The Cavaliers’ Day 1 performance suggests they are on the right track. Whether they can sustain that momentum and deliver on the lofty expectations will be a story to follow closely over the next months.