For 45 full minutes, the Cleveland Cavaliers looked like the dominant team on the court.
But as the clock dwindled down, so did the Cavs’ control. A 120-119 home loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second game of the Eastern Conference semifinals now has Cleveland in a dire 0-2 hole heading into Indiana, and Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson had some choice words regarding his team’s performance down the stretch.
Kenny Atkinson Comments on Pacers’ Physicality in Cavs’ Game 2 Loss
“We outplayed them for most of the game. We ran out of gas. We couldn’t really separate ourselves. We couldn’t get open in the half-court. They’re grabbing us, holding us, we couldn’t really move,” Atkinson said. “We couldn’t get the separation. Every possession, they just upped their physicality. Again, grabbing us, holding us. … Just a tough one.”
Atkinson’s remarks are made in light of a total Cavalier collapse in the fourth quarter. Cleveland led almost the entire game but was outscored 36-21 in the fourth quarter as it made some untimely turnovers and struggled to find any offensive rhythm down the stretch. Max Strus’ costly turnover with 27.5 seconds left proved fatal, as it ultimately led to a Tyrese Haliburton game-winner that secured the Pacers’ victory.
Kenny Atkinson reacts to #Cavs 120-119 loss to #Pacers that puts them in an 0-2 hole as the series shifts to Indianapolis #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/OMH8ZB8pCB
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN)
Even Donovan Mitchell’s 48-point night was not enough to save the Cavs. Mitchell shot 50% from the field while adding four steals to his stat sheet. Even so, Cleveland’s offense stalled, and their defensive lapses allowed Indiana to complete the comeback at the eleventh hour.
Haliburton, who has dominated the headlines lately after a dominant first-round victory against the Milwaukee Bucks amid “overrated” conversations, silenced critics once more with a clutch performance. While he finished with just 19 points, Haliburton’s efficiency showed, shooting 64% from the field and hitting shots when it mattered most.
WATCH: Haliburton Hits Sam Cassell Celebration After Viral Game-Winning Play vs. Cavaliers
For a team that prides itself on depth and defensive grit, Cleveland’s collapse is inexcusable. Granted, the Cavs are shorthanded, with stars De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley sidelined for Game 2.
However, Atkinson’s emphasis on the Pacers’ “grabbing and holding” feels like an empty complaint. Physicality is a part of playoff basketball, and running out of gas in what everyone knows is a 48-minute game is simply inexcusable.
The Pacers entered this matchup as the underdogs. As they head home to Indiana with a 2-0 lead, however, the narratives are quickly shifting. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have to respond swiftly and emphatically.
If Cavs fans are lucky, a Garland and Mobley return might be on the horizon. Regardless, physicality and endurance are inextricable aspects of postseason basketball, and if Atkinson’s team cannot get used to that, they might not deserve to be there.
