© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns’ win on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers featured major runs, 3-point shooting sprees and an ejection that left the visiting team without its head coach.
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Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson was ejected early in the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul of the night — the first came toward the end of the first quarter.
But why were the technical fouls given? Simply put, the officiating had the Cavaliers’ head coach frustrated.
Both teams played physically, but Phoenix was given more opportunities at the free-throw line than Cleveland. By the end of the third quarter, Atkinson’s team had only one free-throw opportunity. He held one finger up throughout the game to let officials know he was aware of what was happening.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We had one free throw after three quarters against a team that [is 26th in fouls],” Atkinson said following the loss, according to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. “And the second free throw we got was after a flop. I’m not pleased. I thought the game got out of hand, quite honestly. Parts of the game seemed circus-like, quite honestly. I don’t know if that’s what we want as a league.”
The ejection energized the crowd at Mortgage Matchup Center, with many Suns fans waving him goodbye as Atkinson continued to argue his case with the referees before being escorted off the court.
The incident also sparked reaction from fans online, as Cleveland was forced to play the remainder of the quarter down 24 points without its head coach.
Kenny Atkinson pic.twitter.com/lR378LVBHP
— ☀️ (@OwnedBySuns) January 31, 2026
BYE BYE KENNY ATKINSON LMAO
— Sunderous Dunks (@SunderousDunks) January 31, 2026
The Suns done gave Kenny Atkinson a mental breakdown with this defense 😂 pic.twitter.com/7Q3WoEVD5r
— Gabe Guerrero (@GabeGuerrero03) January 31, 2026
Beyond the game, the situation highlighted a broader concern about officiating that has been a growing source of frustration around the league. Just last Tuesday, Suns head coach Jordan Ott shared similar sentiments following Phoenix’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We get to a certain point, and this is where the frustration has come from our team this year as I’ve felt,” Ott said postgame, according to Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin. “We play hard. We don’t flop. We don’t embellish and when that gets brought into the game, and when we feel that, that creates frustration for our guys, for me, for all of us.”
Friday’s game served as another reminder that in today’s NBA, frustration with officiating can linger and is not limited to one team.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Suns continue their homestand on Sunday, Feb. 1, when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at 6 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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