[2] During the off-season, the team signed free agent Tree Rollins,[3][4][5] and acquired Darnell Valentine from the expansion Miami Heat.
[6][7][8] The Cavaliers started the regular season with a 133–93 road win over the expansion Charlotte Hornets on November 4, 1988, which was the Hornets' first game in franchise history,[9][10][11][12] then posted an 11-game winning streak between December and January, which led to a successful 24–5 start,[13][14][15] held a 35–11 record at the All-Star break,[16] and finished in second place in the Central Division with a 57–25 record, setting a franchise high;[17] this record was tied for second best in the NBA along with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition, Ron Harper averaged 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, while Larry Nance provided the team with 17.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and sixth man Hot Rod Williams contributed 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game off the bench.
[32][33][34][35] Following the season, Sanders signed as a free agent with the Indiana Pacers.
[36][37][38] Key Dates: Roster Last transaction: August 2, 1988 Notes Player Statistics Citation:[18]