The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for the playoffs, emphasizing preparation and strategic adjustments as they look to build on their successful season. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged that while much of their regular-season performance has been commendable, the true test lies ahead when the playoffs begin in three months.
“In our current phase, we’ve been narrowing our focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) in both defense and offense,” Atkinson stated before their recent victory. The aim is to shift their focus from their initial season strategies to those that are more playoff-specific, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
The team understands that what works during the regular season often needs refinement for postseason success. “I would say 70% of it is the same basic things we’ve been doing, probably 30% where we’ve shifted our focus to different areas, with possession games becoming more critical,” Atkinson elaborated. With the playoffs bringing more competitive intensity, the Cavs are prioritizing winning the turnover and rebounding battles.
Statistically, the Cavaliers have demonstrated strengths in ball protection and turnover creation, ranking third in offensive turnover percentage and 11th defensively. Conversely, their rebounding needs improvement, as they currently sit in the bottom ten in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentages. This has been somewhat masked by their high shooting efficiency, which Atkinson noted, “We’ve shot the ball so darn good,” but he cautioned it might not remain consistent.
Additionally, Atkinson’s approach to defense has set a different tone compared to past seasons. He has implemented varied defensive tactics, including the use of 2-3 zones and aggressive schemes involving switches and blitzes. This willingness to mix up strategies contrasts with previous coaching philosophies that favored minimal changes during the season.
Acknowledging the team’s unexpected success this year, Atkinson is nevertheless mindful of the challenges that lie ahead, especially given recent outcomes against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics. His preparation mantra draws from learning experiences with championship-caliber coaches, advocating for daily playoff adjustments: “You’re always working on something because you never know when you’re going to need it.”
This proactive approach can lead to a more adaptable team come playoff time, giving the Cavaliers a solid chance to be contenders in the upcoming postseason. As they continue to evolve their strategies, fans can look forward to seeing how this preparation translates when it matters most.