Story by
Cavs' chip on shoulder? Evan Mobley's mindset? Rotation? Kenny Atkinson is on it | Ulrich
- Story by
- Cavs' chip on shoulder? Evan Mobley's mindset? Rotation? Kenny Atkinson is on it | Ulrich
CLEVELAND — Kenny Atkinson is akin to a mad scientist operating an extremely powerful machine.
And the first-year Cavaliers coach is pushing all the right buttons.
At the same time, Atkinson constantly remains in self-scout mode, and he realizes what he must improve to maximize the potential of the basketball juggernaut he's controlling.
Advertisement
Before and after the Cavs crushed the New York Knicks 142-105 in a Friday night clash of Eastern Conference powers televised nationally by ESPN, Atkinson mentioned players who call Cleveland's locker room home remember how they exited the playoffs in April 2023. He seems to fully grasp how useful the memory of the Knicks eliminating the Cavs 4-1 in a first-round series can still be, even though plenty has changed for both teams since then.
"The rhetoric was, 'Oh, they were more physical, and they beat us up physically,'" Atkinson said. "... It's like, 'Man, they kicked our tail, and we want to prove that we're better.'"
Cavs score and recap vs. the Knicks: Cleveland Cavaliers dominate New York in a beatdown of the No. 3 team in the Eastern Conference
Atkinson and All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell used the same term to describe how the Knicks series continues to shape the Cavs nearly two years after it ended. They both said the experience put a chip on the team's collective shoulder, so this concept has obviously been discussed by Atkinson and his players.
Advertisement
The NBA-leading Cavs (46-10) had the core four of Mitchell, point guard Darius Garland , center Jarrett Allen and forward Evan Mobley when the Knicks (37-19) knocked them out of the postseason. Other key players, including small forwards Max Strus and De'Andre Hunter and guard Ty Jerome , have been added since then.
Yet, Atkinson replacing coach J.B. Bickerstaff this past summer is the most notable difference between the Cavs then and now.
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks on Feb. 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Cavs bounced back from the Knicks embarrassing them by winning a playoff series last year. They defeated the Orlando Magic 4-3 in Round 1 of the playoffs and then fell 4-1 to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Advertisement
As much credit as Bickerstaff deserves for building a winning culture and formidable defensive identity in Cleveland, Atkinson has been an upgrade. It's clear the players trust him.
Cavs injury news: Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen leaves vs. Knicks with hand injury and doesn't return
The Cavs owning one of the best records in the NBA throughout this season helps with buy-in, but Atkinson has prioritized building relationships with players from the very beginning of his tenure. In the preseason, he stressed those parts of his job were more important than revamping an offense and implementing different schemes.
Listen to Atkinson talk about any number of topics, and it's easy to conclude he places a premium on the sports psychology aspects of coaching.
Advertisement
On a macro level, he ponders questions like, "How much do the Cavs believe they can beat elite teams in the playoffs?" On a micro level, he empowers individual players and offers perspective on their careers behind the scenes.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates after making a 3-pointer as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks on Feb. 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Who does Cavs All-Star Evan Mobley think will be the face of the NBA? How about Evan Mobley and Victor Wembanyama ?
There is no greater example than Mobley. During All-Star media availability last week, a reporter asked Mobley for his guess about who will be the face of the NBA in the next five years and told Mobley he could name himself. Mobley voted for himself and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.
Advertisement
Atkinson has told Mobley his next step is "believing" he can be the best, adding the first-time All-Star needs more of the "almost irrational confidence" many great players possess. Mobley had 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a blocked shot against the Knicks. The only Cavs player who scored more: Mitchell, with 27 points. Atkinson explained Mitchell has the requisite confidence.
Pep talks and heart-to-heart conversations are Atkinson's forte, but he can be better. He conceded he's allowed some player-coach relationships to weaken as a result of guys missing significant time with injuries. When players are rehabilitating and spending hours with athletic trainers, additional effort is required to stay in touch.
Forwards Dean Wade (knee) and Isaac Okoro (shoulder) returning in the past two games gave Atkinson a reminder "you lose that connection" when communication dwindles. Wade had missed 11 consecutive games and Okoro 14.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) shoots a 3-pointer against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 20, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Kenny Atkinson has an expectation for when he'll determine the playoff rotation of the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have 26 regular-season games left. Atkinson estimated he'll start setting his playoff rotation with 10 games remaining, though health and matchups will heavily influence those decisions.
Advertisement
Dividing playing time among players on a roster with as much depth as the Cavs possess won't be a cakewalk.
Wade and Okoro have returned from injuries. Hunter arrived in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks just before the Feb. 6 trade deadline expired, and the Cavs plan to sign Javonte Green on the buyout market as long as he clears waivers.
Atkinson vowed to be "brutally honest" with players about their minutes.
"Sometimes you get a side-eye when they come out of the game," Atkinson said. "That's part of my job, part of my job to keep talking to them."
It's what coaches who are determined to forge strong alliances with their players do.
Advertisement
And, so far, the buttons Atkinson has pushed have been the right ones.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers' Kenny Atkinson pushes right buttons for NBA-best Cavs
