'25-26 NBA Thread

[MU82]

It's obviously OK for a coach to support his players, but Kenny Atkinson sounded like a dope for calling Harden a good defensive player after we all watched Harden get torched by Brunson in the 4th quarter and OT.

Every single time Brunson was 1-on-1 against Harden, Brunson attacked. And almost every time, Brunson scored.

[The Sultan]

It's obviously OK for a coach to support his players, but Kenny Atkinson sounded like a dope for calling Hardin a good defensive player after we all watched Harden get torched by Brunson in the 4th quarter and OT.

Every single time Brunson was 1-on-1 against Harden, Brunson attacked. And almost every time, Brunson scored.

And almost every time they decided to double-team Brunson, he found the open guy. Harden is clearly a liability. And if he doesn't score...what's the point?

[MU82]

And almost every time they decided to double-team Brunson, he found the open guy. Harden is clearly a liability. And if he doesn't score...what's the point?

Yeah, but at least Harden had 6 turnovers. He had almost as many FGs (5), and that's good, right?

[wadesworld]

Yeah, but at least Harden had 6 turnovers. He had almost as many FGs (5), and that's good, right?

Only the 48th (I think, I've lost count) career Playoff game that he's had more turnovers than made field goals.  Not too bad.

[MuggsyB]

It's obviously OK for a coach to support his players, but Kenny Atkinson sounded like a dope for calling Harden a good defensive player after we all watched Harden get torched by Brunson in the 4th quarter and OT.

Every single time Brunson was 1-on-1 against Harden, Brunson attacked. And almost every time, Brunson scored.

A "dope" is being quite kind.  When the other team is searching to isolate Harden with their best player, and that player scores like 16 pts in 5 mins (while going 8-9), words such as completely asinine decision are what comes to my mind.  This was a historic choke job from the Cavs coach to his players.  There's no way to sugarcoat it.

In fact upon further reflection, if I owned the Cavs ,  I would strongly consider showing Kenny the door.  There's a difference between coach-speak and unconscionable drivel. 

[Billy Hoyle]

A "dope" is being quite kind.  When the other team is searching to isolate Harden with their best player, and that player scores like 16 pts in 5 mins (while going 8-9), words such as completely asinine decision are what comes to my mind.  This was a historic choke job from the Cavs coach to his players.  There's no way to sugarcoat it.

In fact upon further reflection, if I owned the Cavs ,  I would strongly consider showing Kenny the door.  There's a difference between coach-speak and unconscionable drivel. 

Don't forget Kenny taking either 3 or 4 timeouts to OT with him. I understand his strategy for wanting 1 or 2 for the final minute to advance the ball but 4? Come on man.