Kenny Atkinson’s first season as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been amazing.
The Cavs are the best team in the entire NBA and are in the midst of another long winning streak.
But Atkinson knows the job isn’t done yet and the team cannot take their focus off the grand prize: winning a title.
Speaking to the press, Atkinson summed up the Cavaliers’ mindset.
“I think we’re still hungry. We’re hungry because we know what’s coming. We know, playoff wise, we still have another level to get to. Another round to get to at least…. We still have the edge because we haven’t gotten to the mountain top yet. We can’t be on cruise control. We gotta keep improving. Keep our playoff focus, we can’t wait till the end to do that,” Atkinson said, per Dylan on X.
Kenny Atkinson Postgame After Win vs Bucks:
“I think we’re still hungry. We’re hungry because we know what’s coming. We know, playoff wise, we still have another level to get to. Another round to get to at least…. We still have the edge because we haven’t gotten to the mountain… pic.twitter.com/Hju9kavYnI
— Dylan🔮🪼 (@dillybar2145__) March 10, 2025
This “hunger” that Atkinson talked about might be the deciding factor when it comes to naming a champion this year.
The Cavaliers obviously have a very strong desire to go all the way to the Finals and win.
They want to prove to everyone that they have had what it takes since the start of the season and they want to silence all of the critics who have questioned them.
The Boston Celtics experienced a very similar situation last season.
People saw their record and multiple appearances in the playoffs and said they had to prove themselves.
Last season, it was the Celtics who had this hunger and they ultimately scored their championship win.
Will the same thing happen to the Cavaliers in a few months?
Fans are happy to hear Atkinson say that the team isn’t ready to rest or take it easy.
They want to keep fighting and they have confidence that they can.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Reveals His Honest Thoughts After Win Over Bucks
