The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the roughest patch of their season so far and head coach Kenny Atkinson understands this time of the year is tough for himself, his players, and the fans.
Speaking with Spencer Davies and the press, Atkinson talked about the “dog days” of the season, this peculiar point after the holidays and before the trade deadline when players get tired, mistakes happen, and no one can relax and take it easy.
He said the NBA schedule is “one of the most remarkable things in sports” because it asks so much of its players night after night.
When compared to the MLB and NFL, the NBA is unique and more demanding in some ways, Atkinson suggested.
“It’s one of the most remarkable things in sports.”#Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson explains what it’s like to trudge through the “dog days” of an 82-game NBA season where there’s no stopping.
(Before the “excuse” replies come, this was pregame on Saturday. H/T @JimmyWatkins95) pic.twitter.com/rTWO7QtNWH
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) January 27, 2025
He said that the league has definitely changed and there is evidence of that.
The game has grown faster and the players have to do more on a nightly basis.
Their physicality has to be at 100 percent and they aren’t given much time to rest.
Even when they aren’t playing, they are usually traveling to their next destination or training.
Atkinson has nothing but respect for his players and said he tries his best to give them breaks when he can.
But this league doesn’t go easy on its stars and the Cavaliers won’t be able to kick up their feet until the summer.
They are currently trying to get out of a three-game losing streak and figure out what has caused them consecutive losses.
As Atkinson said, the season will grind on and the finish line is far away.
The Cavaliers have found a lot of success in the first half of the season but they can’t let up now.
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