Kenny Atkinson Has Blunt Response When Asked About Benching James Harden
Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks after blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he did not consider taking James Harden out of the game, trusting him as a strong defender despite the Knicks targeting him late in the game.Key Facts
- The Cavaliers led by 22 points in the fourth quarter but lost 115-104 in overtime to the Knicks.
- The Knicks focused on creating one-on-one matchups between Jalen Brunson and James Harden.
- Knicks coach Mike Brown confirmed his team intentionally targeted Harden during the comeback.
- Brunson scored 16 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter with Harden defending him most of the time.
- Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Harden as one of the team’s best defenders in the playoffs.
- Atkinson said he never thought about benching Harden despite the Knicks' strategy.
- Knicks players played fewer minutes than Cavaliers guards, possibly affecting endurance.
- The Cavaliers will look to make changes before Game 2 of the series on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
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