Cleveland Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson’s night ended early in Thursday’s 114-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers. After Atkinson forgave the officials’ blown calls in a loss against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, he couldn’t let one missed call on Pacers’ Obi Toppin against Tristan Thompson slide in the third quarter.
After the game, Atkinson explained why he was so upset over the non-call, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“Fourteen years in the league. An NBA champion. He deserves more respect than that,” Atkinson said. “I couldn’t let that one go. No way.”
Atkinson was livid in the final minute of the third quarter, when he was ejected while giving the officials an earful on his way out.
The Cavs surrendered their second game in three tries, as their two-point loss came down to the wire with Jaylon Tyson missing a 15-foot turnaround fade-away jumper. In a game where all three Cavs All-Stars, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, were all ruled out, Ty Jerome (24) and DeAndre Hunter (23) combined for 47 points, and Craig Porter Jr.’s 16 points led the bench.
Tyrese Haliburton’s 23 points led seven Pacers in double figures, including Aaron Nesmith (22 points) and All-Star Pascal Siakam (10 points, eight rebounds).
After a 120-113 loss to the Kings, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson gave the referees a pass despite his disappointment in the lack of fouls called against Zach LaVine.
“It happens, but it’s not why we lost the game,” Atkinson said. However, he noted that the officials weren’t great, but he 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.”
Dan Gilbert issues warning to Cavs after clinching No. 1 seed
David Richard-Imagn Images
Owner Dan Gilbert congratulated his No. 1 seed Cavs, but also warned his team of the challenge that lies ahead later this month. After clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, the postseason will be the ultimate test to see how deep of a playoff run the Cavs will go on their way toward the NBA Finals.
Gilbert addressed his Cavs squad on 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 said.
The Cavs will wrap up their 2024-25 regular-season schedule against the Knicks on Friday before hosting the Pacers at Rocket Arena Sunday night.
