Kenny Atkinson defends James Harden and fourth-quarter defense during Cavs Game 1 collapse to Knicks
The Knicks were in the “first percentile” for shot quality in the fourth quarter.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during overtime against the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers squandered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks .
Numerous things have to go wrong to give up an advantage that large. The defensive end was no exception. Jalen Brunson led the way with 15 points in the fourth quarter to help claw his team to victory .
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson could’ve handled the fourth quarter better. He held onto timeouts and allowed the Knicks to pick on James Harden repeatedly down the stretch. Both are inexcusable.
Still, the comeback was also because the Knicks hit some incredibly tough shots. That’s something that Atkinson wanted to acknowledge when he talked to media members after practice on Wednesday afternoon. “[In the] fourth quarter, they were in the first percentile of shot quality,” Atkinson said after practice.
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