When we discuss the most important areas on an NBA court, the conversation often centers around the three-point line. Everyone’s talking about the growing dominance of long-range shooting, and rightly so—the three-point battle remains a significant predictor of success. For example, teams that make 20 or more three-pointers in a game this season win 74.6% of the time. But what if we took a step back and focused on an overlooked part of the floor that could be the secret to one of the league’s most dominant offenses? That’s exactly what’s happening with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it’s all happening in the non-restricted mid-range area.
While the Cavs are leading the NBA in three-point shooting efficiency, what really sets them apart is how they are exploiting the 5-14 feet range, a key area just outside the restricted zone but below the free-throw line. In a league where defenses have evolved to take away mid-range shots, the Cavaliers have found a sweet spot in a place many other teams ignore.
The Non-Restricted Mid-Range: A Goldmine for Cleveland
The Cavaliers’ ability to capitalize on mid-range shooting in an era where defenses typically try to discourage such attempts is a key reason why they have become one of the best offensive teams in NBA history. According to NBA.com’s database, the Cavs are converting 53.2% of their shots from the non-restricted paint area, an efficiency that is far superior to many teams in the league. To put this into perspective, Portland Trail Blazers also operate in this space, but the difference in shooting efficiency is stark—Cleveland shoots better from this range than Portland does from closer to the basket.
Defenses have become increasingly focused on taking away shots at the rim and from beyond the arc, which opens up opportunities in the non-restricted mid-range. While many teams choose to leave this area open, preferring to focus on guarding the basket and the three-point line, the Cavs have turned this “inefficient” space into a weapon. This is a great example of a team taking what the defense gives them and punishing them for it.
Cavaliers: Dominating in the League’s Most Efficient Way
The Cavaliers have quickly transformed their offense into one of the most potent in the league. They lead the NBA in offensive efficiency, with NBA.com’s John Schuhmann ranking them as the top team in his power rankings. As Schuhmann notes, Cleveland’s 9.2 point differential per 100 possessions over the league average is a historic achievement, with their effective field goal percentage of 59.7% setting a new standard in NBA history. If they maintain this pace, they will eclipse the 2003-04 Dallas Mavericks’ previous record for the largest offensive efficiency margin.
Cleveland’s offensive explosion is all the more impressive considering that their personnel remained largely unchanged from last season, when they ranked 16th in offensive rating. The primary catalyst for this improvement? Darius Garland.
Darius Garland: A Master of the Non-Restricted Mid-Range
Garland’s resurgence this season has been a key driver of the Cavaliers’ offensive success. The point guard is leading the league in mid-range shooting efficiency, hitting an astounding 65.9% of his shots from the 5-14 feet range—the highest among players attempting at least two such shots per game. For reference, Nikola Jokic, often regarded as the NBA’s best offensive player, shoots a still-elite 55.5% from this area.
Garland’s ability to score from this range, particularly his floater, is a rare skill in today’s game. Defenders often retreat to prevent layups, allowing Garland to effortlessly knock down mid-range shots that would otherwise be considered low-percentage attempts. In Monday’s win over the Warriors, Garland hit a shot from 10 feet that looked like a simple layup, demonstrating his knack for turning challenging situations into efficient scoring opportunities.
This skillset is vital in a modern NBA that values three-point shooting and rim protection above all else. Garland’s ability to exploit the mid-range means the Cavs have an additional dimension to their offense, making them more difficult to defend.
Can the Cavaliers Compete with the Celtics in the Playoffs?
While the Cavs’ offensive efficiency is impressive, the ultimate test will come in the playoffs, where matchups against elite teams like the Boston Celtics await. Although Cleveland’s three-point shooting may cool off at times, their ability to score from mid-range and in other areas ensures they are not reliant on just one aspect of their game. In contrast, teams like the Celtics, who excel in the 3-and-D model, often struggle to generate offense without those three-pointers falling.
However, history has shown that relying on a varied offense like Cleveland’s can be highly effective. The Dallas Mavericks made it to the NBA Finals last season using a similar formula, with Luka Dončić thriving in the non-restricted paint area, though they ultimately lost in the Finals. Whether the Cavs can take this model to the next level remains to be seen.
Conclusion: The Cavaliers Are Here to Stay
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense is quietly becoming one of the best the NBA has seen in recent years, with their unique approach to the non-restricted mid-range area setting them apart. While teams continue to focus on three-pointers and rim protection, Cleveland has turned what was once considered an inefficient part of the floor into a highly effective weapon. As the season progresses, the Cavs will remain a team to watch—especially if they can keep their offensive momentum going into the playoffs.
Can they continue to excel in the mid-range and eventually outlast teams like the Celtics in the postseason? Only time will tell, but Cleveland’s offense is certainly one of the most fascinating stories of this NBA season.