NBA Early Trends: The 5-0 Cavs, KAT's Breakout and Small Sample Size Theater

The Cavs Are for Real

After finishing 19-63 last season, nobody expected much from the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. But through four games, the Cavs are a surprising 5-0.

The Cavs have been led by Darius Garland, who is averaging 22.6 points and 8.2 assists per game. Evan Mobley has also been impressive, averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

The Cavs' success has been even more impressive considering the fact that they have been without All-Star center Jarrett Allen, who is out with an injury. But the Cavs have been able to overcome Allen's absence, and they look like a team that could contend for a playoff spot this season.

KAT's Breakout

Karl-Anthony Towns has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for several years, but he has never been able to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to the playoffs.

But this season, Towns is on a mission to change that. Through four games, Towns is averaging 27.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He has also been shooting the ball very efficiently, making 54.7% of his field goal attempts.

If Towns can continue to play at this level, the Timberwolves could be a dark horse contender in the Western Conference.

Small Sample Size Theater

It's important to remember that the NBA season is still very young. After four games, it's too early to make any definitive judgments about which teams are good and which teams are bad.

But the early trends are encouraging for the Cavs and the Timberwolves. The Cavs look like a team that could surprise some people this season, and Towns looks like he is finally ready to lead the Timberwolves to the playoffs.

Of course, there is still a lot of basketball left to be played. But the early trends are definitely worth watching.