Kenny Atkinson says Cavaliers’ analytics favor them despite looming exit vs. Knicks
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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson insisted this week that advanced metrics show his team has outperformed the New York Knicks, even though the Cavaliers are one loss away from elimination in their postseason series.
“Analytically, we’re winning,” Atkinson told reporters when asked how Cleveland would approach the potential clinching game. He pointed to internal data on shot quality, defensive efficiency and turnover margin to argue that the Cavaliers’ overall play has been better than the series score indicates.
New York currently holds a commanding lead and can close out the matchup in the next contest. The Cavaliers have struggled to convert scoring chances late in games, while the Knicks have capitalized on key possessions to build their advantage.
Atkinson, hired by Cleveland after previous stops with Brooklyn and several NBA assistant roles, said the team will rely on the same analytical approach as it tries to extend the series. “The numbers tell us we’re on the right track,” he said, adding that Cleveland’s focus is on making minor adjustments rather than wholesale changes.
Game time and location remain unchanged, and the Knicks will have home-court advantage if the series reaches a deciding contest.
Source: New York Post
