Stephen A. Smith Critiques Kenny Atkinson’s Comments on Cavaliers’ Series
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back after hearing Kenny Atkinson claim that the Cavaliers had “won” their opening playoff games against the Knicks from an analytical perspective, despite trailing 3-0 in their Eastern Conference finals matchup.
On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith suggested that Atkinson’s position as the second-year coach could be in jeopardy if Cleveland loses Game 4 at Rocket Arena.
“That’s exactly why Kenny Atkinson should be just an assistant coach right now,” Smith remarked, though he later jested that he was only joking. “It’s just not ideal for any coach to make a statement like that.”
He continued, “Look, numbers are important and play a significant role. But let’s not pretend this is some groundbreaking revelation. What’s really new is how focused we are on analytics when it comes to judging who gets to run a franchise.”
“Comments like his give off the idea that as long as the statistics look good, everything’s fine. But hold on— we’re down 3-0 in the conference finals! We’re four games away from a championship, and we’re facing a possible sweep. What gives?”
Atkinson’s statements sparked a flurry of discussions on social media.
“Sometimes you just never know…there are a few owners out there who might decide to issue a pink slip right after a loss,” Smith noted, adding a layer of caution. “I can’t definitively say that will happen, but you know, it’s a possibility.”
Atkinson had mentioned earlier, “Analytically, I think we won two of the three games by expected score,” implying that the stats might not tell the whole story. He acknowledged the confusion this created among reporters, insisting that the analytical angle was worth considering.
Last season, Atkinson led the Cavaliers to an exceptional 64-18 record, marking a franchise high and earning him the title of NBA Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Yet, now, all five Knicks starters have scored in double digits throughout the last four playoff games, a team record.
New York is currently enjoying a ten-game playoff winning streak, remaining undefeated in their last five playoff road games.
Tonight, the Knicks have the opportunity to clinch the series as they play on the road.
Stephen A. Smith confronts Kenny Atkinson over Cavs coach’s comment on analytics
Stephen A. Smith Critiques Kenny Atkinson’s Comments on Cavaliers’ Series
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back after hearing Kenny Atkinson claim that the Cavaliers had “won” their opening playoff games against the Knicks from an analytical perspective, despite trailing 3-0 in their Eastern Conference finals matchup.
On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith suggested that Atkinson’s position as the second-year coach could be in jeopardy if Cleveland loses Game 4 at Rocket Arena.
“That’s exactly why Kenny Atkinson should be just an assistant coach right now,” Smith remarked, though he later jested that he was only joking. “It’s just not ideal for any coach to make a statement like that.”
He continued, “Look, numbers are important and play a significant role. But let’s not pretend this is some groundbreaking revelation. What’s really new is how focused we are on analytics when it comes to judging who gets to run a franchise.”
“Comments like his give off the idea that as long as the statistics look good, everything’s fine. But hold on— we’re down 3-0 in the conference finals! We’re four games away from a championship, and we’re facing a possible sweep. What gives?”
Atkinson’s statements sparked a flurry of discussions on social media.
“Sometimes you just never know…there are a few owners out there who might decide to issue a pink slip right after a loss,” Smith noted, adding a layer of caution. “I can’t definitively say that will happen, but you know, it’s a possibility.”
Atkinson had mentioned earlier, “Analytically, I think we won two of the three games by expected score,” implying that the stats might not tell the whole story. He acknowledged the confusion this created among reporters, insisting that the analytical angle was worth considering.
Last season, Atkinson led the Cavaliers to an exceptional 64-18 record, marking a franchise high and earning him the title of NBA Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Yet, now, all five Knicks starters have scored in double digits throughout the last four playoff games, a team record.
New York is currently enjoying a ten-game playoff winning streak, remaining undefeated in their last five playoff road games.
Tonight, the Knicks have the opportunity to clinch the series as they play on the road.
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