Down 0-3 to a red-hot New York Knicks team, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the verge of being eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite the deficit, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed confidence when speaking to reporters on Sunday. He went so far as to say the Cavs have won the analytical battle in two of their three losses.
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“Analytically … we’ve won 2 out of 3,” Atkinson said. “We’re two out of the three in the expected score. If you believe in process and all that, like, man, take that later. I don’t throw that on them. I see it for myself, and if I have this feeling, I can go to our analytical table and be like, ‘man, the expected score was like one point or two — us shooting way below expected, them shooting way over.'”
A few reporters in the room appeared confused by this statement and Atkinson realized that. He said he understands that outcome is paramount, but that the analytics still hold value.
“I know no one wants to hear that. I think you guys like it. I know the general public — no one wants that. Everyone is outcome-based. Sure, I get that, too.”
Regardless of how the Cavs have performed in comparison to their expected score, it has been an ugly series for Cleveland. Through three games, the Cavs have shot just 42.9% from the floor and only 29.4% from beyond the arc.
No team in NBA playoff history has ever won a series after going down 3-0. The Cavs will need more than just some analytical advantages if they want to be the first team to do so.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
