Cavs: 2 reasons they lead the league in assists thus far

The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled to move the ball last season. Darius Garland took a big step forward in directing the offense, and both he and Collin Sexton set careers highs for assists per game. Larry Nance Jr. and Kevin Love both moved the ball as elbow facilitators but combined they played less than a full season due to injuries.

Outside of them, there were a lot of moving parts whose lack of chemistry together and ability to see the floor doomed them to stilted possessions where more often than not players were trying to create for themselves. As a team, the Cavs finished 21st in the league in assists per game with 23.8.

The Cavs are moving the ball well this season, leading the league in assists and indicating great health for a young offense

That has changed significantly this season, with the Cavs now leading the league with 32 assists per game through two contests. That number would have led the league by five whole assists last year, and while it’s almost certain to come down it indicates that this offense is a lot healthier than it was before.

There are two main reasons the Cavs are currently pacing the league in assists. It comes down to tripling their number of high-level passers, and leaning on one of the league’s best finishers.