The stakes are clear now.
If the Cavaliers can’t climb out of their series hole against Detroit, changes could be coming. That may not stop at the roster.
“There’s going to be major question marks… about what Kenny Atkinson’s future… looks like,” Brett Siegel of Clutch Points said.
Atkinson was Coach of the Year last season. That doesn’t buy much time in May.
The Cavs were built to get over the hump. If they don’t, the conversation shifts quickly from progress to accountability.
And it won’t just be about the players.
Atkinson not alone
Whoever loses this series is going to feel it.
That’s the reality, as Jason Lloyd of The Athletic noted. For Cleveland, that means more urgency around Donovan Mitchell and whether he can carry this team when it matters most.
He looked like himself again in Game 2, scoring 31 points and attacking the paint. The outside shot still hasn’t been there.
The Cavs need the full version. Not just stretches.
Harden’s struggles
James Harden was brought in for this exact moment. So far, it hasn’t gone that way.
The veteran guard has more turnovers than made field goals in four of Cleveland’s nine playoff games, including both games against Detroit.
“You look within first,” Harden said. “A lot of them are just on me… I got to be better. I will be better.”
The numbers back it up. The eye test does, too.
For the Cavs to turn this series, that has to change.
Mitchell embracing moment
If there’s pressure, Mitchell isn’t buying into it.
“This isn’t pressure,” he said. “Getting your next meal is pressure… This is an opportunity. This is fun.”
Mitchell says the Cavs have done the work. Made the moves. Now it’s about finishing.
“We’ve done the talk. Now, just continue to walk the walk,” he said.
That’s where Cleveland stands. Built to win now. Down in the series. Answers needed quickly.
And a summer that could look very different depending on what comes next.
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I like Atkinson but I can’t defend these player rotations and minutes decisions. I don’t see us going very far with this perimeter defense, and some of these player personnel choices. I wish him luck at the next stop.
Mitchell, with his effort on the defensive end, I’ve see enough. He should not be in the leadership role, if on this team at all.
Harden is a typical aging vet that Cavs bring in sell to the fans as if it’s the decade ago version of that guy. Usually a shell. Shaq. Derrick Rose. Dwayne Wade. Cavs sell some jerseys then use them as a scapegoat. I’d like to see Harden stay and help our bigs continue to get the ball. The turnovers this playoffs are not a concern as I see him getting guys the ball who fumble or pass it. Again he’s a shell of himself, but he can help other guys on the roster.
Altman. That’s who Gilbert should be looking at. These other guys are somewhat a product of a poorly built roster with no consistent vision or identity.
From afar it looks like we’re building around Dean Wade. Live by the Dean, die by the Dean. None of this is defensible.
Still with all that, I still think we can beat the Pistons.