Kenny Atkinson takes jokes as lesson for ‘analytically’ comment in last season’s playoff loss to Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged taking lessons from the ongoing mockery surrounding his past comment claiming the Cavaliers "analytically" won games during a playoff sweep by the New York Knicks. Atkinson explained that the soundbite lacked the context of the question he was answering, noting he consistently recognized that New York dominated the series and was the better team.

Meanwhile, the Knicks defeated Cleveland 109-97 without guard Josh Hart, who missed his second straight game because of right ankle soreness. Knicks coach Mike Brown stated there is no long-term concern regarding Hart's ankle, while Landry Shamet started in his place.