1970–71 Cleveland Cavaliers season

The 1970–71 Cleveland Cavaliers season was the inaugural season of NBA basketball in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 15–67 record in their first season, finishing last in the Central Division and Eastern Conference. John Johnson was named an All-Star, the first in franchise history.

Key Dates:

Expansion draft

 * As an expansion (first year) franchise, the Cavaliers chose 11 players from other NBA teams in the 'expansion draft.'

October
Record: 0–9 ; Home: 0–2 ; Road: 0–7

November
Record: 1–17 ; Home: 0–8 ; Road: 1–9

December
Record: 4–13 ; Home: 4–6 ; Road: 0–7

January
Record: 5–9 ; Home: 4–4 ; Road: 0–5 ; Neutral: 1–0:

February
Record: 2–12 ; Home: 1–5 ; Road: 0–7 ; Neutral: 1–0

March
Record: 3–7 ; Home: 2–5 ; Road: 1–2


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 * 10 || November 1, 1970 || Atlanta
 * L 107–131
 * Cleveland Arena 3,533
 * 0–10
 * Cleveland Arena 3,533
 * 0–10
 * 0–10


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 * 44 || December 31, 1970 || @ Atlanta
 * L 85–119
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 5,429
 * 5–39
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 5,429
 * 5–39
 * 5–39


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 * 57 || January 29, 1971 || @ Atlanta
 * L 111–119
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 7,192
 * 9–48
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 7,192
 * 9–48
 * 9–48


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 * 76 || March 12, 1971 || Atlanta
 * L 107–119
 * Cleveland Arena 8,341
 * 13–63
 * Cleveland Arena 8,341
 * 13–63
 * 13–63