Kenny Atkinson credited Cleveland’s defensive performance after the Cavaliers beat Philadelphia 119-95 on Friday, highlighting Peyton Watson’s work against Tyrese Maxey.
“Defense. Peyton Watson. Big difference,” Atkinson said. “I thought the job he did on Maxey was excellent. I think Maxey is playing as well as anybody in the league.”
Watson returned after missing two games with right hamstring tightness. Atkinson also praised Cleveland’s work protecting the paint and defending Joel Embiid.
“Better job protecting the paint, limited their rim attempts, did a good job on Embiid,” the coach said. “So there’s defense. Offense was so-so, but you can’t have everything.”
Atkinson was also pleased with Donovan Mitchell’s aggression. The guard finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as Cleveland responded after two losses to Oklahoma City.
“He feels the moment,” Atkinson said. “He knows we needed this win. He’s got a great sense of the moment when he’s got to turn it up.”
The Cavaliers coach also praised Mitchell’s playmaking, adding: “He made some great passes, too. So, yeah, he was very aggressive tonight.”
Cleveland controlled the tempo against a Philadelphia team that likes to push the ball in transition. Atkinson said he liked how his players changed speeds throughout the game.
“I think that’s the utopia as a basketball team, if you can play at all three speeds,” he said. “I liked our shifting of gears tonight.”
Atkinson also highlighted Evan Mobley, who scored 22 points while taking on the challenge of defending Embiid with Jarrett Allen sidelined by a bruised right knee.
“He’s really playing great basketball,” Atkinson said. “I just feel like he’s playing great basketball all around. And, yeah, the Embiid matchup, that was obviously a good challenge for him, but he played great tonight.”
Mario Hezonja’s rebounding also caught the coach’s attention. Hezonja finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
“I loved that he had 10 rebounds,” Atkinson said. “That’s where his 250 pounds come in and his nose for the ball.”
Atkinson added that Cleveland is still working to define Hezonja’s role with different lineups. However, he liked the forward’s willingness to shoot.
“The talent is obvious. I love how he’s letting it fly,” Atkinson said. “We need him to space the floor. We need him to take those threes.”
The coach also discussed the team’s approach to maintaining its lead, particularly with NBA Cup point differential in mind. Cleveland continued attacking late rather than easing off.
“We have to continue to be aggressive with these leads,” Atkinson said. “That’s our new mentality.”
He specifically defended James Harden’s decision to take a 35-foot shot while Cleveland was ahead by 22 points.
“I’m like, ‘No, that was a good shot.’ I love that he’s being aggressive,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson also praised Meleek Thomas’ early three-pointers and the energy he brought to the crowd. He said the young guard’s talent gives Cleveland another dimension.
“He’s talented, man. He’s just a talent,” Atkinson said. “He’s got something different.”
The Cavaliers improved to 5-4 with the win and host the New York Knicks on Saturday, November 7.
