The
2005–06 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Divis ...
season was the 36th season of
NBA basketball in
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 50–32 record, and a second-place finish in the Central Division, returning to the playoffs for the first time since
1998. In the
playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated the
Washington Wizards in six games in the first round and reached the semi-finals of the
Eastern Conference where they lost in seven games to the
Detroit Pistons.
LeBron James was the team's leading scorer and was named to the
All-NBA first team. He was also selected to play in the
2006 NBA All-Star Game where he won his first
All-Star MVP.
For this season, they added new dark blue road alternate uniforms added side panels to their jerseys and shorts, they remained in use until 2010.
Offseason
Free agents
Trades
Draft picks
Cleveland did not have a draft pick in the 2005 NBA Draft due to trades from previous seasons.
* 1st round pick (#13) traded to
Phoenix in
Wesley Person deal, sent to
Charlotte as part of expansion selection. Used to draft
Sean May.
* 2nd round pick (#44) traded to
Orlando in
Drew Gooden deal.
[Tony Battie and two future 2nd round picks traded to Orlando for Drew Gooden, Steven Hunter and the rights to Anderson Varejão http://www.nbadraft.net/2005draftnotes.asp ] Used to draft
Martynas Andriuskevicius who was traded back to Cleveland.
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Game log
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 1 , , November 2, 2005 , ,
New Orleans/Oklahoma City
,
,
LeBron James (31)
,
Donyell Marshall (9)
,
Larry Hughes (6)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 1–0
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 2 , , November 4, 2005 , , @
San Antonio
San Antonio ( ; Spanish for " Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the ...
,
,
LeBron James (20)
,
Donyell Marshall (10)
,
LeBron James (4)
,
SBC Center18,797
, 1–1
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 3 , , November 5, 2005 , , @
Memphis
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
FedEx Forum17,368
, 1–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 4 , , November 7, 2005 , , @
Toronto
Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
,
,
LeBron James (27)
,
Donyell Marshall (11)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Air Canada Centre18,281
, 2–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 5 , , November 9, 2005 , ,
Seattle
Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...
,
,
LeBron James (31)
,
Donyell Marshall,
Drew Gooden,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas,
Alan Henderson (9)
,
Larry Hughes (5)
,
Gund Arena19,564
, 3–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 6 , , November 11, 2005 , ,
Memphis
,
,
LeBron James (16)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (12)
,
Larry Hughes,
Eric Snow (5)
,
Gund Arena16,554
, 4–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 7 , , November 13, 2005 , , @
Orlando
,
,
LeBron James (26)
,
Larry Hughes (9)
,
Larry Hughes (7)
,
TD Waterhouse Centre15,414
, 5–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 8 , , November 15, 2005 , ,
Washington
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
LeBron James (10)
,
Larry Hughes (8)
,
Gund Arena17,685
, 6–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 9 , , November 18, 2005 , ,
Orlando
,
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (22)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
Larry Hughes (6)
,
Gund Arena18,591
, 7–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 10 , , November 19, 2005 , , @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
,
,
Larry Hughes (37)
,
Drew Gooden (13)
,
LeBron James (10)
,
Wachovia Center18,908
, 8–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 11 , , November 22, 2005 , ,
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Drew Gooden (15)
,
Eric Snow (9)
,
Gund Arena17,139
, 9–2
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 12 , , November 24, 2005 , , @
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
,
,
LeBron James (19)
,
LeBron James (10)
,
LeBron James (4)
,
Conseco Fieldhouse17,243
, 9–3
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 13 , , November 26, 2005 , ,
Minnesota
Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...
,
,
LeBron James (38)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
Eric Snow (3)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 9–4
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 14 , , November 30, 2005 , ,
L.A. Clippers
,
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (29)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (10)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena18,209
, 10–4
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 15 , , December 2, 2005 , , @
Seattle
Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...
,
,
LeBron James (34)
,
Drew Gooden (7)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
KeyArena17,072
, 10–5
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 16 , , December 3, 2005 , , @
L.A. Clippers
,
,
LeBron James (30)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
STAPLES Center18,369
, 10–6
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 17 , , December 6, 2005 , , @
Sacramento
,
,
LeBron James (30)
,
Drew Gooden,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7)
,
LeBron James,
Larry Hughes (6)
,
ARCO Arena17,317
, 11–6
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 18 , , December 9, 2005 , ,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (32)
,
Donyell Marshall (10)
,
Eric Snow (5)
,
Gund Arena18,177
, 11–7
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 19 , , December 10, 2005 , , @
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
,
,
LeBron James (52)
,
LeBron James,
Donyell Marshall (7)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Bradley Center18,717
, 11–8
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 20 , , December 13, 2005 , ,
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
,
,
LeBron James (39)
,
Drew Gooden (11)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (6)
,
Gund Arena17,114
, 11–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 21 , , December 15, 2005 , ,
Denver
Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
,
,
LeBron James (26)
,
Donyell Marshall (12)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena17,182
, 12–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 22 , , December 17, 2005 , ,
Miami
Miami is a East Coast of the United States, coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade County in South Florida. It is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which, with a populat ...
,
,
LeBron James (41)
,
Donyell Marshall (13)
,
LeBron James (10)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 13–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 23 , , December 20, 2005 , ,
Utah
Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...
,
,
LeBron James (25)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7)
,
Eric Snow (6)
,
Gund Arena19,543
, 14–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 24 , , December 22, 2005 , , @
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
United Center
The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
21,874
, 15–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 25 , , December 23, 2005 , ,
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
,
,
Drew Gooden (21)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena18,757
, 16–9
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 26 , , December 26, 2005 , ,
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
,
LeBron James (32)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (14)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (6)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 17–9
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 27 , , December 27, 2005 , , @
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (31)
,
Donyell Marshall (14)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Continental Airlines Arena20,098
, 17–10
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 28 , , December 31, 2005 , ,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
,
LeBron James (30)
,
Drew Gooden (13)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 18–10
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 29 , , January 4, 2006 , , @
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
,
,
LeBron James (32)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
Bradley Center15,785
, 19–10
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 30 , , January 5, 2006 , ,
Houston
Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
,
,
LeBron James (32)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (10)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (5)
,
Gund Arena18,019
, 19–11
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 31 , , January 7, 2006 , ,
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
,
,
LeBron James (35)
,
Drew Gooden (17)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Gund Arena19,840
, 20–11
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 32 , , January 10, 2006 , ,
New York
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Gund Arena18,064
, 20–12
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 33 , , January 12, 2006 , , @
L.A. Lakers
,
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (29)
,
Drew Gooden (11)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
STAPLES Center18,997
, 20–13
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 34 , , January 14, 2006 , , @
Phoenix
,
,
LeBron James (46)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (12)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
America West Arena18,422
, 20–14
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 35 , , January 15, 2006 , , @
Portland
,
,
LeBron James (29)
,
LeBron James (13)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Rose Garden Arena19,383
, 20–15
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 36 , , January 18, 2006 , , @
Denver
Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
,
,
LeBron James (24)
,
Alan Henderson (12)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Pepsi Center19,009
, 20–16
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 37 , , January 20, 2006 , , @
Golden State
,
,
Drew Gooden (16)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Oakland Arena20,205
, 20–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 38 , , January 21, 2006 , , @
Utah
Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...
,
,
LeBron James (51)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (8)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Delta Center19,340
, 21–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 39 , , January 24, 2006 , ,
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
,
,
LeBron James (23)
,
Drew Gooden (10)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Gund Arena19,069
, 22–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 40 , , January 25, 2006 , , @
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
,
,
LeBron James (38)
,
Drew Gooden (14)
,
Eric Snow (8)
,
Philips Arena16,089
, 23–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 41 , , January 27, 2006 , , @
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
,
,
LeBron James (30)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Conseco Fieldhouse18,345
, 24–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 42 , , January 29, 2006 , ,
Phoenix
,
,
LeBron James (44)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 25–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 43 , , January 30, 2006 , , @
Charlotte
,
,
LeBron James (30)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
Eric Snow (7)
,
Charlotte Bobcats Arena17,142
, 26–17
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 44 , , February 1, 2006 , ,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (26)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
LeBron James (10)
,
Gund Arena19,460
, 27–17
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 45 , , February 2, 2006 , , @
Miami
Miami is a East Coast of the United States, coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade County in South Florida. It is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which, with a populat ...
,
,
LeBron James (29)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas,
Drew Gooden (8)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
AmericanAirlines Arena20,168
, 27–18
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 46 , , February 4, 2006 , ,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
,
,
LeBron James (31)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 27–19
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 47 , , February 6, 2006 , ,
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
,
,
LeBron James (22)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
Gund Arena19,126
, 28–19
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 48 , , February 8, 2006 , , @
Minnesota
Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...
,
,
LeBron James (35)
,
Donyell Marshall (13)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Target Center17,093
, 29–19
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 49 , , February 10, 2006 , , @
Washington
,
,
LeBron James (18)
,
LeBron James,
Drew Gooden (9)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
MCI Center20,173
, 29–20
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 50 , , February 11, 2006 , ,
Golden State
,
,
LeBron James (33)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (8)
,
Damon Jones (7)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 29–21
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 51 , , February 13, 2006 , ,
San Antonio
San Antonio ( ; Spanish for " Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the ...
,
,
LeBron James (44)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
Eric Snow (6)
,
Gund Arena19,486
, 30–21
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 52 , , February 15, 2006 , , @
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (43)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
TD Garden17,915
, 31–21
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 53 , , February 21, 2006 , ,
Orlando
,
,
LeBron James (26)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (13)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 32–21
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 54 , , February 22, 2006 , , @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
,
,
LeBron James (33)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas,
Drew Gooden (9)
,
Eric Snow (8)
,
Wachovia Center20,196
, 32–22
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 55 , , February 24, 2006 , ,
Washington
,
,
LeBron James (25)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (9)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 32–23
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 56 , , February 26, 2006 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
,
LeBron James (22)
,
LeBron James,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (9)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076
, 32–24
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 57 , , February 27, 2006 , ,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
,
LeBron James (26)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (15)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Gund Arena19,286
, 32–25
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 58 , , March 1, 2006 , ,
Sacramento
,
,
LeBron James,
Ronald Murray,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (19)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
Gund Arena17,363
, 32–26
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 59 , , March 2, 2006 , , @
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
,
LeBron James (33)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (8)
,
United Center
The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
20,726
, 33–26
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 60 , , March 5, 2006 , ,
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
Anderson Varejão (13)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (7)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 34–26
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 61 , , March 7, 2006 , ,
Toronto
Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
,
,
Ronald Murray (24)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
Eric Snow (11)
,
Gund Arena18,077
, 35–26
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 62 , , March 8, 2006 , , @
Toronto
Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
,
,
LeBron James (35)
,
Drew Gooden,
Donyell Marshall (8)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (6)
,
Air Canada Centre19,800
, 36–26
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 63 , , March 10, 2006 , , @
Orlando
,
,
LeBron James (25)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
Eric Snow (5)
,
TD Waterhouse Centre17,283
, 36–27
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 64 , , March 12, 2006 , , @
Miami
Miami is a East Coast of the United States, coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade County in South Florida. It is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which, with a populat ...
,
,
LeBron James (47)
,
Drew Gooden (12)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (4)
,
AmericanAirlines Arena20,268
, 36–28
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 65 , , March 14, 2006 , , @
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (13)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (5)
,
American Airlines Center
The American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-purpose List of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in the Victory Park, Dallas, Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas. The arena serves as the home of the Dallas Stars of the National ...
20,425
, 36–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 66 , , March 17, 2006 , ,
Portland
,
,
LeBron James (27)
,
Drew Gooden (14)
,
LeBron James,
Eric Snow (5)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 37–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 67 , , March 19, 2006 , ,
L.A. Lakers
,
,
LeBron James (29)
,
Drew Gooden (9)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 38–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 68 , , March 22, 2006 , ,
Charlotte
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
LeBron James (11)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
Gund Arena18,550
, 39–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 69 , , March 24, 2006 , ,
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 40–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 70 , , March 26, 2006 , , @
Houston
Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas,
Drew Gooden (8)
,
Damon Jones (6)
,
Toyota Center16,839
, 41–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 71 , , March 29, 2006 , ,
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
,
,
LeBron James (46)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (9)
,
Eric Snow (5)
,
Gund Arena19,401
, 42–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 72 , , April 1, 2006 , ,
Miami
Miami is a East Coast of the United States, coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade County in South Florida. It is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which, with a populat ...
,
,
LeBron James (47)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
LeBron James (9)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 43–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 73 , , April 2, 2006 , , @
Charlotte
,
,
LeBron James (35)
,
LeBron James (12)
,
LeBron James (8)
,
Charlotte Bobcats Arena18,491
, 44–29
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 74 , , April 4, 2006 , ,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
Anderson Varejão (14)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Gund Arena18,581
, 45–29
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 75 , , April 5, 2006 , , @
New York
,
,
LeBron James (36)
,
Drew Gooden,
Anderson Varejão (12)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...
19,763
, 45–30
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 76 , , April 8, 2006 , , @
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
,
,
LeBron James (37)
,
Drew Gooden (9)
,
LeBron James (7)
,
Continental Airlines Arena19,048
, 46–30
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 77 , , April 10, 2006 , , @
New Orleans/Oklahoma City
,
,
LeBron James (32)
,
Anderson Varejão (8)
,
LeBron James (6)
,
Ford Center19,187
, 47–30
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 78 , , April 12, 2006 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
,
LeBron James (22)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (8)
,
Damon Jones (4)
,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076
, 47–31
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 79 , , April 13, 2006 , ,
New York
,
,
Larry Hughes (26)
,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (14)
,
Larry Hughes (6)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 48–31
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 80 , , April 16, 2006 , , @
Washington
,
,
LeBron James (17)
,
Anderson Varejão,
Drew Gooden (9)
,
LeBron James,
Ronald Murray (4)
,
MCI Center18,405
, 48–32
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 81 , , April 17, 2006 , , @
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
,
,
Larry Hughes (21)
,
Larry Hughes (5)
,
Eric Snow (9)
,
TD Garden18,624
, 49–32
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 82 , , April 19, 2006 , ,
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
,
,
Ronald Murray (19)
,
Anderson Varejão (18)
,
Ronald Murray (6)
,
Gund Arena20,562
, 50–32
Player stats
Regular Season
Playoffs
Playoffs
2006 marked the first time
LeBron James made the playoffs in his career, and the first time the Cavaliers had made the playoffs since 1998 with
Shawn Kemp. They came off a playoff series win vs the Wizards, while the Pistons came in off a 4–1 win vs the 8th seeded Bucks. Detroit was expected to win the series, and took a commanding two games to none lead with two wins at the
Palace of Auburn Hills. James and the Cavaliers would not be intimidated however, and won their two games at home to tie the series 2–2. Coming into game 5, both teams were confident, but the Pistons were expected to pull out the win easily. The game was low scoring throughout as usual in this series, with Cleveland holding a 68 to 66 lead throughout 3 quarters. With the game tied at 84 with 26 seconds left in regulation,
Drew Gooden came through and hit a layup to give Cleveland the lead that they would never squander. James led the Cavs with 32 and this brought the series to Cleveland up 3–2, quite shockingly. Detroit held on to a 2-point win to win game 6, and won game 7 at home to seal the deal, but this was the coming out party for the Cavaliers in the playoffs, scaring the 2004 champs.
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 1 , , April 22 , ,
Washington ,
W 97–86, ,
LeBron James (32) , ,
LeBron James (11) , ,
LeBron James (11) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 1–0
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 2 , , April 25 , ,
Washington ,
L 84–89, ,
LeBron James (26) , ,
Drew Gooden (16) , ,
Eric Snow (4) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 1–1
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 3 , , April 28 , , @
Washington ,
W 97–96, ,
LeBron James (41) , ,
Ilgauskas,
Gooden (8) , ,
James,
Snow
Snow consists of individual ice crystals that grow while suspended in the atmosphere—usually within clouds—and then fall, accumulating on the ground where they undergo further changes.
It consists of frozen crystalline water througho ...
(3) , ,
MCI Center20,173 , , 2–1
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 4 , , April 30 , , @
Washington ,
L 96–106, ,
LeBron James (45) , ,
Drew Gooden (11) , ,
LeBron James (6) , ,
MCI Center20,173 , , 2–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 5 , , May 3 , ,
Washington ,
W 121–120 (OT), ,
LeBron James (38) , ,
Donyell Marshall (11) , ,
LeBron James (5) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 3–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 6 , , May 5 , , @
Washington ,
W 114–113 (OT), ,
LeBron James (32) , ,
Anderson Varejão (10) , ,
Larry Hughes (12) , ,
MCI Center20,173 , , 4–2
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 1 , , May 7 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
L 86–113, ,
LeBron James (22) , ,
Anderson Varejão (8) , ,
James,
Murray (4) , ,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 , , 0–1
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 2 , , May 9 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
L 91–97, ,
LeBron James (30) , ,
LeBron James (14) , ,
LeBron James (7) , ,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 , , 0–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 3 , , May 13 , ,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
W 86–77, ,
LeBron James (21) , ,
LeBron James (10) , ,
LeBron James (10) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 1–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 4 , , May 15 , ,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
W 74–72, ,
LeBron James (22) , ,
LeBron James (8) , ,
LeBron James (9) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 2–2
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, 5 , , May 17 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
W 86–84, ,
LeBron James (32) , ,
Donyell Marshall (13) , ,
Eric Snow (7) , ,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 , , 3–2
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 6 , , May 19 , ,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
L 82–84, ,
LeBron James (32) , ,
LeBron James (11) , ,
Eric Snow (6) , ,
Gund Arena20,562 , , 3–3
, - style="background:#fcc;"
, 7 , , May 21 , , @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
,
L 61–79, ,
LeBron James (27) , ,
LeBron James (8) , ,
Larry Hughes (5) , ,
The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 , , 3–4
Awards and records
Awards
*
LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Week'' for games played from November 14 through November 20.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Week'' for games played from January 24 through January 30.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Week'' for games played from March 14 through March 20.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Week'' for games played from March 21 through March 27.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Week'' for games played from March 27 through April 2. He became the first player in NBA history to win the award three consecutive weeks.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Month'' for the month of November, the third time he has won the award.
* LeBron James was named the ''
Eastern Conference Player of the Month'' for the month of March, the fourth time he has won the award.
* LeBron James was named to the
All-NBA first team. James is the youngest first-teamer in NBA history and only the second Cavalier (
Mark Price) to receive the honors.
* LeBron James finished in 2nd place in league MVP voting (
Steve Nash).
Records
* On November 19, vs. the
Philadelphia 76ers,
Larry Hughes (37) and
LeBron James (36) became the first two teammates in franchise history to score 35 points or more in the same game.
* LeBron James set the franchise single-season record for points with 2,478.
* LeBron James set other franchise records for: scoring average (31.4), field goals made (875), field goals attempted (1873), free throws made (601), and free throws attempted (841).
* LeBron James set the franchise record for points in a single postseason with 400.
* In Game 6 of the Washington Wizards First Round series, the team set a franchise record for bench points with 57.
* LeBron James set the franchise record for points in a single postseason series with 214.
*
Mike Brown became the first coach in franchise history to win a playoff series in his first year.
* For the season, LeBron James led the team in scoring for a game 72 times, a franchise record.
* The Cavaliers finished the season 5–0 in overtime games, a franchise record for wins and %.
Milestones
* On November 13,
LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 4,000 career points (20 years, 318 days).
* On January 21,
LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 5,000 career points (21 years, 22 days).
* On March 29, LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 6,000 career points (21 years, 89 days).
* On April 13,
Mike Brown won his 48th game as head coach, the most by a rookie coach in franchise history.
* For the season, LeBron James made 19/29 field goals attempts in the last two minutes of a one-possession game. He led the league in that statistic.
All-Star
*
LeBron James came in third in Eastern Conference votes received and was voted in as a starter for the
2006 NBA All-Star Game for the 2nd time in his career. He became the first Cavalier in team history to start multiple All-Star games and the 7th to play in multiple games.
* LeBron James became the youngest All-Star Game MVP in NBA history with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in the East's 122–120 win.
* LeBron James participated in the
Skills Challenge and finished in 2nd place.
* LeBron James led his team in points, rebounds and assists in a game 16 times, a league-high.
Transactions
Trades
Free agents
*Waived by team mid-season and later re-signed to two 10-day contracts.
**Signed to two successive 10-day contracts and then the remainder of the season.
***Traded for and then immediately waived before playing in a game.
Development League
* On January 22,
Martynas Andriuskevicius was assigned to the
NBDL's Arkansas Rimrockers.
* On February 1, Martynas Andriuskevicius was recalled from the Rimrockers.
* On March 2, Martynas Andriuskevicius was reassigned to the Rimrockers.
* On March 6, Martynas Andriuskevicius was recalled from the Rimrockers.
* On March 16, Martynas Andriuskevicius was reassigned to the Rimrockers.
* On April 12, Martynas Andriuskevicius was recalled from the Rimrockers.
References
*
Cleveland Cavaliers on Basketball Reference2005–06 Season Media Guide
{{DEFAULTSORT:2005-06 Cleveland Cavaliers Season
Cleveland Cavaliers seasons
Cleve
Cleve
2005–06 NBA season by team