The Cleveland Cavaliers have shocked the NBA Nation. It seems like the franchise does not care about what happened in the playoffs, as they have decided to keep their coach.
In a move that underscores the Cavaliers' commitment to continuity despite a disappointing playoff exit, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on May 26, 2026, that Kenny Atkinson will return for a third season as the team's head coach.
Cavaliers ignore playoff disaster to keep coach Kenny Atkinson despite brutal 4-0 Knicks loss
The decision comes just days after the New York Knicks completed a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Cavaliers in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals, capping a series marked by blowouts and intense scrutiny of Cleveland's coaching staff and adjustments.
Atkinson, hired in June 2024 on a multi-year deal after serving as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, has delivered impressive regular-season results. In his first season (2024-25), he led the Cavs to a 64-18 record, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors and guiding the team to the top seed in the East.
This past season, Cleveland posted a solid 52-30 mark, securing another strong playoff positioning. However, the Knicks proved to be too good for the opponents to reach the NBA Finals.
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