The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025-26 campaign has not gone exactly as expected. After posting a 64-18 record last regular season, the Cavs were unable to sustain momentum until the new year began. They were then pushed to the brink versus the No. 5-seeded Toronto Raptors in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Another seven-game series unfolded in their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Detroit Pistons, and it featured brutal lows and jubilant highs.
Now, battle-tested Cleveland is set to face a New York Knicks squad that has not played since May 10. With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, many people would prefer a little more rest and a little less stress. Kenny Atkinson feels differently.
“I’ll take the character and kind of toughness we added over {having a smoother run},” the Cavs head coach said before Tuesday’s Game 1 showdown in Madison Square Garden, per Kris Pursiainen. “Definitely still a work in progress.”
The Cavs have grown immensely in a short period of time
The Cavaliers learned several valuable lessons during this postseason journey. Donovan Mitchell bounced back after a rough Game 6 versus the Pistons and set the tone in Little Caesars Arena in Game 7. Jarrett Allen also played well under the bright lights, thriving in do-or-die showdowns against both the Pistons and Orlando Magic.
Evan Mobley might have been the biggest difference-maker of all, as he continues to plow through all the outside doubt and leave a sizable imprint on the court. Max Strus stayed active even when he was not knocking down 3-pointers, averaging 1.1 steals per contest in the previous round.
James Harden, the man who has accrued more playoff-based criticism than anyone on this Cavaliers roster, has deferred to his teammates throughout this run. And Kenny Atkinson has adapted to the mounting pressure while keeping his guys focused amid setbacks. These are all experiences Cleveland had to go through, as it entered the 2026 postseason with substantial baggage.
The Cavs’ load is much lighter due to the obstacles they encountered and conquered over the last several months. But can they completely free themselves from that burden when they play the Knicks?
The Cavaliers intend to answer that question rather quickly on Tuesday night. Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals tips off at approximately 8 p.m. ET.