Cavaliers Face Elimination as Kenny Atkinson Defends Team’s Performance With Analytics
The Cleveland Cavaliers are now one loss away from ending their season after falling behind 3-0 against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the difficult position, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson believes the series has been much closer than the scoreboard suggests.
Cleveland lost Game 3 by a score of 123-108 on Saturday night, continuing a tough run against a Knicks team that has controlled key moments throughout the series. The Knicks now have a chance to finish the series Monday night in Cleveland and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
After the latest loss, Atkinson spoke openly about how his coaching staff is viewing the series internally. While acknowledging the reality of the Cavaliers trailing 3-0, he said advanced analytics show that Cleveland has performed better than many people may think.
According to Atkinson, the team’s internal analytical models suggest the Cavaliers were competitive in multiple games and that expected scoring numbers paint a tighter picture than the final results. He explained that Cleveland held a large lead in Game 1 and remained close in Game 2 outside of one major Knicks scoring run during the third quarter.
The Cavaliers coach said the team’s shooting numbers have also been below what analytics projected, while New York has performed above expected levels offensively. He pointed to the expected scoring margins from Game 3, saying the internal data showed the matchup was statistically closer than the final 15-point result.
Atkinson admitted that many fans are unlikely to accept analytical explanations while the team is losing on the court. He acknowledged that most people judge success by wins and losses, especially during the playoffs. Still, he emphasized that he personally believes in evaluating the process behind the performances and not just the final outcome.
The Knicks, however, continue to deliver results where it matters most. New York once again controlled the pace in Game 3 and took advantage of Cleveland’s shooting struggles. The Cavaliers shot only 29 percent from three-point range and also missed important opportunities at the free-throw line, finishing 12-of-19.
New York’s consistent offensive pressure and efficient scoring have been major factors throughout the series. Cleveland has shown moments of strong play, but the Knicks have repeatedly responded with momentum-shifting runs that changed the direction of games.
Now facing elimination, the Cavaliers must find a way to turn competitive stretches into complete performances if they hope to extend their season. Meanwhile, the Knicks are one victory away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in more than two decades.
Sources
- ESPN
- NBA
- Associated Press
