The Oklahoma City Thunder bullied the Cleveland Cavaliers in every way on Thursday night and easily defeated them in their second matchup of the season.
Following the game, head coach Kenny Atkinson opened up about his team’s very bad night.
Atkinson was asked about the idea that teams with long and athletic wing players give the Cavaliers problems.
“That’s totally fair,” Atkinson admitted, per Chris Fedor.
#Cavs Kenny Atkinson on the idea that teams with long, athletic wings give them problems: “That’s totally fair”
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) January 17, 2025
OKC’s defense was giving the Cavaliers trouble all night long.
Even with one of the best offenses in the league, the Cavaliers couldn’t penetrate the paint and they couldn’t shoot well from beyond the arc.
No matter where they were or what they tried, the Thunder’s defense stopped them.
That was surprising because many people felt Cleveland had the size advantage going into the game, but the Thunder still outplayed them.
Throughout the season, certain Cavaliers fans have complained that their team hasn’t been good at very physical basketball.
This will be a big problem, especially when the playoffs begin.
Atkinson listed many other problems that bothered the Cavaliers during the game and he swore that he would work hard to correct them in the days ahead.
Fans will be paying extra close attention over the next few games to see what sort of adjustments Atkinson makes.
It’s far too soon to panic but the Cavaliers cannot have another night like this one.
They did not look like championship contenders and the Thunder didn’t seem to even break a sweat while beating them.
The Cavaliers will have to face many other strong, long, and athletic wings as the season goes on, so Atkinson needs to find a resolution to this problem.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Reveals What Went Wrong In Loss To Thunder
