After All-Star Darius Garland scored 13 of his 26 points to lead his team from a 23-point deficit against the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson asked a very important question during his media availability. After Atkinson was ejected in Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, he guided his team to an improbable 108-102 victory on Friday.
Garland’s 13 points nearly outscored the Knicks throughout the final frame amid the Cavs’ outscoring their opponent 30-16 in the fourth quarter. After the win, Atkinson addressed his team’s mindset ahead of the postseason, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“As far as talent, chemistry, deep bench, we have it all. It’s really going to be the mental battle,” Atkinson said. “The question that needs to be answered with this team is if they have a belief level that’s at a championship level. Do you really believe you can beat Boston? Do you really believe you can beat Indiana? Do you really believe you can be a conference finalist? That’s the first step.
“Only going to answer that when we are faced with it. That’s probably the lingering question,” Atkinson concluded.
From the former Golden State Warriors assistant coach that helped lead the 2022 NBA champions, Atkinson understands the importance of having the right head space ahead of a potential title run. Watching his Cavs make a 23-point comeback in a game that didn’t affect their standing as the top seed in the Eastern Conference is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Garland led with 26 points. Max Strus scored 19 points, and All-Star Evan Mobley added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Dan Gilbert issues a warning to No. 1 seeded Cavs
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Kenny Atkinson and the 2024-25 Cavs were on pace to becoming the winngest team in franchise history, but will fall just below 66 wins, set by the 2008-09 squad. After clinching the No. 1 seed in this year’s playoffs, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert issued a warning for the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Gilbert reminded the Cavs of the big stage that awaits, the NBA playoffs, where NBA fans will find out if the Cavs can dethrone the champion Celtics en route to making their first NBA Finals appearance since 2017. Gilbert posted to his X, formerly Twitter.
“Congratulations, Cleveland. Your Cavs have clinched the #1 seed in the East. Next up… the playoffs. We’re just getting started. LFG,” Gilbert wrote.
The Cavs will go for their 65th win when they host the Pacers in their regular-season finale on Sunday.
