Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson mentions they faced some bad luck during the notable Knicks downfall.

Cavaliers’ Collapse in Game 1 Linked to Luck, Coach Says

In what might go down as one of NBA’s biggest meltdowns, the Cavaliers led by 33 points but eventually fell to the Knicks, 115-104, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. This shocking defeat at Madison Square Garden was partly attributed to, of all things, luck, according to Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson.

With just under eight minutes remaining, Cleveland had a 22-point lead, only to watch it slip away, culminating in an 11-point overtime loss.

“I think they hit some really tough shots in that fourth quarter—those two three-pointers and then that lucky shot at the end of the shot clock,” Atkinson noted postgame. “Honestly, it felt a bit unlucky. Obviously, Jalen Brunson was incredible at the end.”

But luck alone doesn’t explain such a significant collapse. Knicks fans could probably relate, as they experienced a similar scenario last year against the Pacers in Game 1.

While it’s valid to highlight the Knicks’ impressive shooting in the last moments, it seems like an easy way out for a Cavaliers team that struggled on both defense and offense.

The Knicks capitalized on Cleveland’s weaknesses, especially exploiting James Harden, who appeared powerless against Brunson during the game’s critical moments. In the last 7 minutes and 52 seconds of regulation, the Cavs were outscored 30-8.

Atkinson also pointed out Mikal Bridges’ two crucial three-pointers late in the game, showcasing tough shots that played a role in the outcome.

“What can you really do about those two 3s from Bridges?” he asked, seeming almost resigned to the circumstances.

A sluggish offense only exacerbated the Cavaliers’ issues, with wasted possessions and missed shots allowing the Knicks’ momentum to build.

It was clear neither Harden nor Donovan Mitchell provided the offensive spark that Brunson did.

“Disappointing, for sure. When you get tired, you tend to stagnate,” Atkinson reflected. “We were moving the ball brilliantly for most of the game, but then it all slowed down.”

Now, with such a devastating loss hanging over them, the Cavaliers’ resilience will be tested in Game 2. Atkinson, despite the severity of the defeat—marked as the worst in franchise history—tried to keep a positive spin on things.