Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a tough home loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. It even included the referees missing a call against Zach LaVine, getting reactions from fans watching.
With just under 50 seconds left and the Kings up 116-111, LaVine drove to the basket with the shot clock winding down. He got the shot to fall but did it after the shot clock expired, which the referees did not catch.
Atkinson reacted to the loss after the contest, per team reporter Evan Dammarell. He had disappointment towards the lack of a call against LaVine but did not go further in criticizing the officials.
“It happens but it’s not why we lost the game,” Atkinson said. However, he noted that the officials weren’t great but took more of the blame on himself for not setting the team up for success against the Kings.
“I didn’t think our energy level was where we thought it would be.”
What’s next for Kenny Atkinson, Cavs
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Kenny Atkinson showcased professionalism with his statement regarding the officiating and the Cavaliers’ performance in the loss to the Kings.
The NBA released its Last Two Minute Report on the events that happened, admitting there should have been a call against LaVine.
“LaVine (SAC) does not release the shot attempt prior to the shot clock expiring,” the NBA comments.
That certainly cost the Cavaliers an opportunity to pull off a rally against the Kings. However, it is a loss the team has the move on from as they look to close out the regular season on a strong note.
Cleveland has a 62-16 record on the season, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They lead the Boston Celtics by four games, needing one more win to secure home-court advantage for the first three rounds.
The Cavs will prepare for their next matchup. They host the Chicago Bulls on April 8 at 7 p.m. ET.
