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Kenny Atkinson calls out major issue that hurt Cavs vs. Thunder
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- Kenny Atkinson calls out major issue that hurt Cavs vs. Thunder
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After the Cleveland Cavs surrendered a second consecutive loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, head coach Kenny Atkinson addressed his team's underlying issue: turnovers. For Atkinson, the 2026-27 Cavs' fatal flaw amidst championship aspirations aren't boiled down to any specific players, as it is a team issue that's bogged Cleveland down to a .500 record eight games into the regular season.
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The Cavs never led once in their 124-116 loss on Wednesday. After the game, Atkinson zeroed in on the Cavs' inability to take care of the ball consistently in their second matchup in two days against the Thunder, per RealCavsFans.com's X, formerly Twitter.
"The turnovers are the ones. Atlanta, a similar thing happened," Atkinson said. "Then they get out in transition; they get easy ones. So, gotta do better. Gotta do better taking care of the ball, executing better."
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Although the Cavs finished the night with a modest 12 turnovers, two fewer than Monday's 117-112 loss, as Kenny Atkinson pointed out, the Thunder converted them into 15 points in their rematch. Cavs' Jarrett Allen suffered a knee injury in the first half, and never returned. Oklahoma City finished with 21 fast-break points.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder will 42 points, including five triples, eight assists, four rebounds, and one block. Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 85 points on 25-of-61, including 9-for-19 from deep. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 27 points and six assists. James Harden finished with 19 points, six assists, and two blocks.
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The Cavs lost three of their last four games, including a 114-111 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks last Thursday. The Cavs will host the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA Cup matchup on Friday.
Related: Cavs' Jarrett Allen exits Thunder clash with knee injury
Related: Cavs vs. Thunder injury report: Alex Caruso, Peyton Watson highlight notable updates
