Home » Sports » NBA » Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson confesses Knicks’ ECF domination as he tries to clean up viral ‘analytics’ comment

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson wants to clear up his infamous comments about the New York Knicks. Months after the Cavs’ Eastern Conference Finals sweep, Atkinson revisited his claim that Cleveland had won two games analytically. The remark sparked widespread…

By Clark Garret Alvarez · Cavs Nation

Published: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 5:14 PM

Key Things to Know

Kenny Atkinson clarified his viral analytics comments, conceding the New York Knicks dominated the Cavaliers in the playoffs.
Atkinson stated the Knicks were by far the better team despite expected-score data favoring Cleveland in two games.
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-97 in their Saturday rematch.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson addressed his past viral comments regarding the New York Knicks' Eastern Conference Finals sweep over Cleveland. Atkinson clarified his previous statement that the Cavaliers had won two games analytically, admitting that New York was by far the better team and that his remarks were intended to find positive indicators rather than diminish New York's dominance.

Atkinson noted that sound bites often lose context on social media while maintaining that analytics cannot substitute for actual execution. In their latest rematch on Saturday, the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 109-97, led by Jalen Brunson's 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' 29 points.

Read the full article on Cavs Nation