1971–72 Cleveland Cavaliers season

The 1971–72 Cleveland Cavaliers season was the second season of NBA basketball in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 23–59 record, finishing last in the Central Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference. Rookie top pick Austin Carr was named to the All-Rookie team and John Johnson and Butch Beard were named All-Stars.

Trades
August 13: Forward Greg Howard obtained from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for undisclosed future draft choices and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Draft picks

 * Note: This table only lists players drafted through the second round.

October
Record: 2–8 ; Home: 0–6 ; Road: 1–2 ; Neutral: 1–0

November
Record: 6–6 ; Home: 4–2 ; Road: 2–4

December
Record: 7–10 ; Home: 5–4 ; Road: 1–6 ; Neutral: 1–0

January
Record: 1–13 ; Home: 0–5 ; Road: 1–6 ; Neutral: 0–2

February
Record: 4–12 ; Home: 3–6 ; Road: 1–6

March
Record: 3–10 ; Home: 1–5 ; Road: 2–4 ; Neutral: 0–1


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 * 9 || October 29, 1971 || Atlanta
 * L 97–98
 * Cleveland Arena 3,442
 * 2–7
 * Cleveland Arena 3,442
 * 2–7
 * 2–7


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 * 21 || November 27, 1971 || @ Atlanta
 * W 103–95
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 5,101
 * 7–14
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 5,101
 * 7–14
 * 7–14


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 * 36 || December 23, 1971 || Atlanta
 * W 115–110
 * Cleveland Arena 4,562
 * 12–24
 * Cleveland Arena 4,562
 * 12–24
 * 12–24


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 * 57 || February 5, 1972 || @ Atlanta
 * L 117–120
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 6,281
 * 17–40
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 6,281
 * 17–40
 * 17–40


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 * 74 || March 12, 1972 || @ Atlanta
 * L 114–135
 * Alexander Memorial Coliseum 4,915
 * 21–53
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 * 78 || March 19, 1972 || Atlanta
 * L 105–115
 * Cleveland Arena 8,049
 * 22–56
 * L 105–115
 * Cleveland Arena 8,049
 * 22–56
 * Cleveland Arena 8,049
 * 22–56
 * 22–56

Awards and honors

 * Austin Carr, NBA All-Rookie Team First Team