The Cleveland Cavaliers just made a huge statement.
They put up 142 points against Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks, and that’s not something that happens every day.
It seemed like this game meant much more to the Cavaliers, and they never took their foot off the gas.
Following the win, coach Kenny Atkinson admitted that it was a little personal for his team.
"Our guys have a little chip on their shoulder (from 2023 playoffs)…It's not like 'man we hate this team'…We want to prove we're better"
–– Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson on the Knicks pic.twitter.com/S2bCKIqIjc
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 22, 2025
He acknowledged that some players were still mad about their playoff loss, which may have contributed to their intensity in the game.
Atkinson admits that the Cavs were angry about being beaten in that series, as the Knicks were the more physical team from start to finish.
We’ve seen this kind of thing happen multiple times in the past.
It even happened to the defending NBA champions.
More often than not, teams have to go through heartbreak and growing pains before finally reaching the highest of highs.
Of course, it’s painful, but it’s also a part of the process that needs to be embraced at times.
This Cavs team has always been seen as talented but somewhat soft, and people still continue to doubt them and whether they will be able to keep this strong momentum going come playoff time.
The only way to prove that is by actually doing it.
If they keep bringing that kind of intensity to the court night in and night out, the critics will undoubtedly be silenced.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Gets Honest About Cavs' Dominance This Season
