Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson pointed to a second-quarter shooting drought, Atlanta’s three-point shooting and missed rebounding opportunities as key factors in his team’s 114-111 loss to the Hawks on Thursday night.
The Cavaliers opened the game strongly, building a 15-point first-quarter lead, but managed only 16 points in the second period. Atlanta took advantage, outscoring Cleveland 30-16 in the quarter and using a 19-2 run to turn a 35-24 deficit into a 43-37 advantage.
“I thought the second quarter, we couldn’t make a shot, and they hit six threes,” Atkinson said after the game. He also noted that Cleveland had several good opportunities but failed to convert them.
The coach was pleased with much of his team’s overall performance, particularly its ball movement and defensive effort, but acknowledged that the Cavaliers needed to be more consistent over the full 48 minutes.
“We haven’t had that great game. We haven’t had that full, complete 48 minutes of domination,” Atkinson said, describing the team’s performances as having “peaks and valleys.”
Cleveland fought back from two double-digit deficits and had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds. Donovan Mitchell cut Atlanta’s lead to one with 20.6 seconds remaining, but after Nickeil Alexander-Walker made two free throws, Mitchell missed two potential game-tying attempts on the final possession.
Atkinson also emphasized the need to secure defensive rebounds, particularly in important moments, and improve the team’s transition defense. He pointed to turnovers in the second quarter as one reason Atlanta was able to generate fast-break opportunities.
“We got to do a better job securing rebounds, important rebounds,” he said.
The Cavaliers coach was encouraged by the team’s improved ability to get the ball into the paint and find its big men. He highlighted the work of Mitchell, James Harden and Tyrese Proctor in getting the ball to the interior, creating opportunities for free throws and open shots.
Atkinson also praised Mario Hezonja, who contributed 10 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench, saying Cleveland needed someone on the wing to step up.
On Peyton Watson, who finished with four points and five fouls, Atkinson stressed that one difficult performance did not change his view of the forward’s recent contributions.
“He’s been great for us,” the coach said, adding that Watson had struggled to find his rhythm offensively and got into foul trouble.
The defeat ended Cleveland’s three-game winning streak and dropped the Cavaliers to 3-2. They will visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
