The Cleveland Cavaliers are down three games to zero to the New York Knicks in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals, but head coach Kenny Atkinson is looking at the bright side, claiming that his team has actually held the upper hand analytically in two-of-three games during his media availability on Sunday (6:43 mark).
“We’ve had success against this team before. We’ve had really good moments. In this series, up [20 points] Game 1. Even Game 2, take that, run out from the beginning of the third quarter, and it’s pretty tight. I think analytically, I think we’ve won I said three-out-of-three, I think we’re two-out-of-three in the [expected score]…we’ve won two-out-of three. And I know you’re looking confused, but…if you believe in process and all that, take that layer.”
“I don’t throw that on them. I see it for myself. We have this feeling, I have this feeling, then I can go to our analytical table…last night, the expected score was like one point or two. Us shooting way below expected, them shooting way over.
“I know when no one wants to hear that. I think you guys like hearing it. I know the general public, no one wants to hear it. Everyone’s outcome-based, I get that too.”
On the scoreboard, the Cavs were up 93-71 in Game 1 with 7:40 left but lost 115-104 in overtime. The Knicks won 109-93 in Game 2 and then 121-108 in Game 3.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
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