Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson addressed his team’s defensive lapses after a 128-122 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Kia Center. “Our defense overall just subpar. They’re 20 for 25 at the rim. 37 free throws. It’s like impossible to win an NBA game when you defend like that,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson highlighted Desmond Bane’s ability to attack the paint. “It just wasn’t the threes, it felt like it was in our paint a lot. We’re chasing him over screens. He gets in the paint,” he said, noting how Orlando capitalized on opportunities.
The coach acknowledged the team fell behind in transition and struggled with closeouts. “Closeouts were poor, you know, now they’re driving and kicking and we’re flying around,” he explained. Atkinson emphasized the importance of better guarding the ball and containing players: “First thing is guard the ball… being better with our closeouts, our closeout discipline, better containing the ball.”
Physicality and speed also factored into the Cavaliers’ difficulties. “I felt like we’re a step behind all night… it just doesn’t always mean getting to your spot. It means getting beat off the first dribble,” Atkinson said. He credited Orlando’s athletes for controlling the pace, adding, “They were quicker, you know, faster. I’m sure physically too, but like I said, we were a step behind all night.”
Despite defensive shortcomings, Atkinson praised the Cavaliers’ offense. “Offensively, we had a high 120s offensive rating. Defense wasn’t up to par,” he said. James Harden led Cleveland with 30 points and eight assists, while Donovan Mitchell added 25 points. Atkinson noted Harden and Mitchell adjusted based on coverage: “He read the coverage up tonight to an ISO night… they want to switch. I have to get into ISO mode and get us good shots.”
The coach described Bane’s late-game performance as decisive. “We tried blitz them at the end and they hit two threes off the blitz. They made the winning plays at the end,” Atkinson said, referring to Orlando’s 35-point scorer.
The Cavaliers now turn their focus to a Friday matchup at Dallas.
