Cleveland Cavaliers HC KennyAtkinson found the antidote to the Pistons' defense by simply avoiding it. With a 125-94 Game 7 win to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, Atkinson finally revealed the cards he used to overcome the Detroit Pistons' pesky defense, particularly one specific guard.

The Cavaliers' backcourt has been struggling with turnovers since the beginning of the series. However, the final game saw the duo of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell combine for only one turnover. Atkinson revealed how this problem was solved after thoroughly scouting Ausar Thompson to make the required adjustments.

"The tactical adjustment we made was avoiding [Ausar] Thompson. We were just like, if he’s near the ball, throw it to someone else. And that I’ve never experienced that in the NBA,” the 58-year-old said.

Thompson proved to be a huge nuisance in Games 5 and 6. He recorded four steals in each game along with 12 total steals and nine blocks against the Cavaliers.

Atkinson continued giving Thompson his flowers.

“Like I’ve never seen anything like it, where even if you have a great player with the ball and he’s [Thompson] on it, pass it to someone else.”

In this series against the Cavaliers, Thompson averaged 7.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field.

The 2023 fifth overall pick also spoke to the media after the game and dove into his key takeaway from the loss.

“Let it hurt, let it sting, and just get better. As I said, like everybody, not only do you know, as a team, but individually, like what can we do to be better next year, help each other out, and that’s my focus, at least starting from now.”

The Pistons last reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are entering their first finals since 2018, and Atkinson spoke candidly about how Donovan Mitchell carried the team.

Kenny Atkinson Credits Donovan Mitchell for Playoff Success

Donovan Mitchell has led the Cavaliers as their cornerstone since his introduction in 2022.

Atkinson had nothing but appreciation for Mitchell’s efforts.

"It started with him. His defense, rebounding, he gets in the paint, and starts making other people better... That was the key to the game; he had complete control of the game."

"He kept this thing together this year, when things weren't going great. He was the beacon, the light; his leadership carried us on the court." Atkinson added.

The 29-year-old once again put the team on his back this season, averaging 27.9 points across 70 games.

The Cavaliers now have the daunting task of facing the New York Knicks. The Knicks are in fine form after sweeping the 76ers and having a two-week cushion before the start of the Eastern Conference Finals.

With a strong roster including DPOY Evan Mobley and former MVP James Harden, the spotlight is on the Cavaliers to reach their first NBA Finals since the LeBron James era.

So, do you think Donovan Mitchell can lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a championship after a decade? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Joy Bassy