Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the key factors behind their 126-124 loss to the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. “We got a lot of good contributions. Evan goes out there and gives us some good minutes,” Atkinson said, highlighting the effort from his team despite the defeat.
Atkinson pinpointed rebounding as the critical weakness. “I think you know rebounding… Mitchell Robinson really got on the boards and that’s kind of how they got those kick-out threes. We didn’t secure the boards,” he explained. “Mitchell ended up with eight offensive rebounds, and you can’t give this team extra shots.”
The coach also addressed mental lapses that contributed to the loss. “We fouled Brunson three times. Those are the mental things we’ve got to do better,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes it’s not physicality, it’s your mental focus. Are you seeing your man? Are you going to get the hit first?”
Despite the loss, Atkinson expressed optimism about his roster’s progress. “I couldn’t be more encouraged. Disappointed in how we lost, but I got a ton of confidence in this group. I saw so many good things tonight,” he said.
Atkinson reflected on the challenges of trying to do too much at times. “We weren’t making a simple play. We weren’t reading the swarm. We tried to correct that at halftime. Second quarter was a turnover; fourth quarter was a rebounding issue. That equals losing the possession game,” he said.
The coach praised the return of key players as a positive sign for the team’s future. “When you start getting rotation players back, it feels different. We feel a little more vet-laden, a little more stable,” he said, referencing Evan Mobley’s return from a five-game absence.
Atkinson acknowledged moments of individual frustration but emphasized learning opportunities. “Don knew he should have just laid it up. There were a couple frustrating plays, mental breakdowns, but that’s part of getting better,” he said.
Cleveland struggled to contain the Knicks in the fourth quarter, allowing 42 points after leading 103-86. New York’s bench, including Jordan Clarkson with 25 points and Tyler Kolek with 16 points and nine assists, fueled the comeback.
Atkinson remained encouraged by the team’s resilience. “I just felt the whole game. I feel like Sam back and Evan coming… we’re starting to get our mojo back. Pieces are starting to move into their right slot,” he said, signaling confidence in his team’s growth despite the setback.
