The 1971–72 Cleveland Cavaliers season was the second season of NBA basketball in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 23-59 record, finishing last in the Central Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference. Rookie top pick Austin Carr was named to the All-Rookie team and John Johnson and Butch Beard were named All-Stars.

August 13: Forward Greg Howard obtained from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for undisclosed future draft choices and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Record: 2-8 ; Home: 0-6 ; Road: 1-2 ; Neutral: 1-0

Record: 6-6 ; Home: 4-2 ; Road: 2-4

Record: 7-10 ; Home: 5-4 ; Road: 1-6 ; Neutral: 1-0

Record: 1-13 ; Home: 0-5 ; Road: 1-6 ; Neutral: 0-2

Record: 4-12 ; Home: 3-6 ; Road: 1-6

Record: 3-10 ; Home: 1-5 ; Road: 2-4 ; Neutral: 0-1