The final score between the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs ended up being closer than expected on Friday night.
Following the game, head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke about his choices and what worked and what didn’t.
He touched upon his decision to use De’Andre Hunter as center in the second half as Jarrett Allen rested.
He doesn’t regret making that choice, but admitted that it didn’t pan out as expected.
“I think of the big picture. That’s my job. I wanted to test this group too…. that’ll be good information for playoff time. It didn’t look great tonight,” Atkinson said, per Dylan on X.
Kenny Atkinson on the decision to play De’Andre Hunter at center after Jarrett Allen rested the 2nd half (via Chris Fedor):
“I think of the big picture. That’s my job. I wanted to test this group too…. that’ll be good information for playoff time. It didn’t look great tonight.” pic.twitter.com/voXlLdolJf
— Dylan🔮🪼 (@dillybar2145__) April 5, 2025
Atkinson is obviously figuring out which rotations work best for his team, which is information that will be very helpful in the weeks ahead during the playoffs.
The Cavaliers have length, which is vitally important, but Atkinson wants to figure out which small-ball lineups he can use.
That was what led to him trying Hunter as the center, but it just didn’t pan out.
At 6-foot-8, Hunter is not a small man, but he just cannot compete with what Allen can do.
But he has been supremely helpful for the Cavaliers since joining the team.
Since coming over to Cleveland, Hunter has averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
He has been hailed as a defensive master, and that is the big reason why he was acquired in the trade.
He will still put up great defense even if Atkinson doesn’t use him as a center moving forward.
Of course, Atkinson might try this again with better results.
Regardless, Cavaliers fans should expect to see a lot from Hunter during the postseason.
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