Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson shared his thoughts on his team’s 121-112 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday, securing a 2-0 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
The Cavaliers’ performance in Game 2 showed their resilience despite a late push from the Heat, who cut Cleveland’s 19-point lead to just two. Atkinson, however, credited the team’s composure in the final moments of the game.
“We kept our composure,” Atkinson stated, reflecting on his team’s ability to weather Miami’s rally. “Obviously, it helps when you’ve got Donovan Mitchell,” he added, praising the All-Star guard’s clutch performance. Mitchell contributed 30 points and eight straight fourth-quarter points to seal the win.
Mitchell’s 30-point performance included six rebounds, six assists, and seven made three-pointers, with Cleveland’s overall shooting impressing. The Cavaliers set a new playoff record with 11 three-pointers in the second quarter alone, as they hit 22 for the game at an impressive 48.9%. Atkinson noted how much his team’s ability to make open shots fueled the game, especially during their explosive second-quarter surge.
“We’ve had a lot of moments like that this year,” Atkinson said of the team’s shooting display. “We’ve got highly skilled players who can shoot. It was fun for the crowd.” Cleveland’s bench also played a significant role, with De’Andre Hunter contributing 12 points and Sam Merrill hitting two crucial threes in the second period.
While the Cavaliers dominated offensively, Atkinson acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly their defensive rebounding. “We’ve got to clean up the little things, especially on the boards,” he said. Miami took advantage of missed shots and secured offensive rebounds, allowing Tyler Herro to score 33 points, leading the Heat’s charge.
Despite the Heat’s best efforts, the Cavaliers’ depth was a key factor in securing the win. Atkinson commended the efforts of his role players, including Evan Mobley, who contributed 20 points, and Darius Garland, who added 21 points and nine assists. “We’ve got great leadership, and that’s been huge in moments like these,” Atkinson noted.
Looking ahead, Atkinson remains focused on the bigger picture. “Going to Miami will be a challenge,” he said, emphasizing that Cleveland cannot afford to get complacent. “We’ve got to be prepared for another tough battle.”
