Things were looking so good for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, until they weren’t.
The team was the best in the East and the odds-on favorite to claim a title, but they then got pushed out of the playoffs in the second round.
On the latest episode of the “Wine and Gold Podcast,” Chris Fedor talked about how obsessive head coach Kenny Atkinson has been about his team’s losing series against the Indiana Pacers.
“[Kenny Atkinson] has rewatched the Indiana series so many different times, trying to study that and learn from that,” Fedor said.
The Cavs sailed past the Miami Heat in the opening round, beating them in a clean sweep.
But then they had to go toe-to-toe against the Pacers, who had been on a roll since the middle of the regular season.
Sure enough, the Pacers immediately showed they should be feared.
In the end, the Cavaliers just couldn’t get it together.
They faced a few inconvenient injuries in their lineup, but that wasn’t the only reason Cleveland was taken down 1-4 by Indiana.
Now, months later, Atkinson still hasn’t let it go, nor should he.
The Pacers ended up going to the NBA Finals and showed the sort of determination and resilience that Atkinson would love for his squad.
They have depth, aggression, and good health.
The fact that they can score and defend from all over the court is also especially attractive for Atkinson.
In order to get better, he is studying the team that outplayed his.
Will this help the Cavaliers become stronger and more productive in next year’s playoffs?
NEXT: Details Emerge About Cavs' New Roster Approach
