- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,128,748
- Reaction score
- 59
The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals 121-108 at home against the New York Knicks, falling into a 3-0 series deficit.
Despite the loss, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson remained optimistic, pointing to analytics that he believes show a more competitive series than the scoreboard suggests.
“Analytically… we’ve won 2 out of 3,” Atkinson said Sunday. “There’s an expected score and we’ve won two of the three.
“You know, if you believe in process and all that, take that layer. I see it for myself. I have this feeling like analytical table and I think last night the expected score was like one point or two… I know no one wants to hear that.”
More news: Devin Vassell Sends Bold Message Before Spurs Return to OKC
On Monday ahead of Game 4, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism of Kenny Atkinson following his comments after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks.
“That moment is why Kenny Atkinson deserves to be an assistant coach,” Smith said. “Right there. Now obviously I’m being somewhat facetious because the man led Cleveland to a No. 1 seed last year… and even though they underachieved in the playoffs, here they are in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“You are down 3-0 in a conference finals. You’re four games away from a championship appearance and now you’re on the verge of getting swept, and what comes out of your mouth is ‘we really did well in two out of the three games analytically?’ You can’t say that. You just can’t.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 07: ESPN featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith on set ahead of Super Bowl LIX on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will face each other on Sunday. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
No team in NBA history has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit, meaning the Cavaliers face an extremely uphill battle the rest of the way.
To extend the series, Cleveland would need to become the first team ever to win four straight games against the Knicks — including at least two on the road at Madison Square Garden — just to force a Game 7 and keep their championship hopes alive.
More news: Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Gets Honest About All-NBA Second Team Selection
Related Articles
Start your unlimited Newsweek trial
Continue reading...
Despite the loss, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson remained optimistic, pointing to analytics that he believes show a more competitive series than the scoreboard suggests.
“Analytically… we’ve won 2 out of 3,” Atkinson said Sunday. “There’s an expected score and we’ve won two of the three.
“You know, if you believe in process and all that, take that layer. I see it for myself. I have this feeling like analytical table and I think last night the expected score was like one point or two… I know no one wants to hear that.”
More news: Devin Vassell Sends Bold Message Before Spurs Return to OKC
On Monday ahead of Game 4, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism of Kenny Atkinson following his comments after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks.
“That moment is why Kenny Atkinson deserves to be an assistant coach,” Smith said. “Right there. Now obviously I’m being somewhat facetious because the man led Cleveland to a No. 1 seed last year… and even though they underachieved in the playoffs, here they are in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“You are down 3-0 in a conference finals. You’re four games away from a championship appearance and now you’re on the verge of getting swept, and what comes out of your mouth is ‘we really did well in two out of the three games analytically?’ You can’t say that. You just can’t.”
You must be registered for see images attach
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 07: ESPN featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith on set ahead of Super Bowl LIX on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will face each other on Sunday. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
No team in NBA history has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit, meaning the Cavaliers face an extremely uphill battle the rest of the way.
To extend the series, Cleveland would need to become the first team ever to win four straight games against the Knicks — including at least two on the road at Madison Square Garden — just to force a Game 7 and keep their championship hopes alive.
More news: Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Gets Honest About All-NBA Second Team Selection
Related Articles
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Mindset After Thunder's Game 4 Loss
- Devin Vassell Sends Bold Message Before Spurs Return to OKC
- Thunder Should Target Athletic Michigan Player as 2026 Hopeful
Start your unlimited Newsweek trial
Continue reading...
