CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson won’t take credit for Cleveland’s swift rise to the Eastern Conference’s penthouse.

It’s about talent and roster construction — a “magnificent” job by the Koby Altman-led front office to build a deep, versatile, skilled and balanced roster. It’s about continuity — 13 of 14 full-time guys from last year’s conference semifinalist that began the season together. It’s about player leadership, with star guard Donovan Mitchell at the epicenter.