The Cavaliers did not do things by halves. For their tenth victory in ten matches, they crushed the Warriors, having a lead of up to 41 points! For Kenny Atkinsonin addition to this enormous success, it is inevitably a dream evening.
“10-0 is something. It's a bit of a magic number.” delivers the Cleveland coach. “I was worried because the Warriors are champions. We were ready, we were hungry and it surprised me. 10-0 really means something to our team. »
For the NBA too because a stormy start like this is not that common. In 25 years, only three teams have started with a perfect record after 10 games: the Sixers in 2000/01, then the Mavericks in 2002/03 and finally the Warriors in 2015/16.
“Kenny Atkinson is one of the best coaches in the league”
And the parallels with these exist: Kenny Atkinson is a former assistant to Steve Kerr and the Cavaliers play attractive and effective offensive basketball. They have the best attack in the league (124.5 points on average) and the best efficiency, like Stephen Curry and his gang almost ten years ago.
“It was a very good position to take, as in my case ten years ago. This is the perfect position for him,” underlines the Warriors coach on his counterpart. “The continuity was already there, they were already good last season, but Kenny Atkinson brought his touch. It’s obvious that it was the right choice. »
The coach has the same group in his hands as JB Bickerstaff last season. Yet these Riders are transformed. “We play fast and in the right way. Everyone shoots and has fun”rejoices Ty Jerome.
The Cavaliers have therefore been living in the clouds for almost three weeks, knowing that the regular season is still very long. “That’s the thing: we still have a way to go, things to correct. We know we can do better and we will continue to work until we get there.”concludes Jarrett Allen, who ends by saying that “Kenny Atkinson is one of the best coaches in the league. And he shows it ».
