Kenny Atkinson Explains Controversial Timeout Strategy as Cavs Blew 22-Point Lead vs. Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson opened up about his decision not to call a timeout during the New York Knicks' fourth-quarter run that eventually spurred them to a 115-104 overtime win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's game, Atkinson admitted "I like to hold my timeouts" because he doesn't want to get into a situation late in the fourth quarter when he only has one to use.

Cavaliers-Knicks Highlights

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After the Cavs opened up a 93-71 lead with 7:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Knicks proceeded to go on a 16-1 over the next four minutes to cut the deficit to five before Atkinson finally called a timeout with 3:30 left to play.

The first possession coming off the timeout was an Evan Mobley three. It was the first made field goal for the Cavs since Donovan Mitchell's three with 8:19 left to play.

Cleveland ended regulation having not used two of its timeouts. Teams are automatically assigned two timeouts in overtime, so there was no benefit for Atkinson to hold onto them in the fourth quarter.

Even in overtime, Atkinson waited more than three minutes after the Knicks had scored the first nine points to open up a 110-101 lead before using his first timeout with 1:49 remaining.

Once again, the Cavs' ensuing possession out of the timeout led to points with Max Strus nailing a three. Atkinson didn't use his second timeout in the overtime period.

Perhaps there was no stopping the Knicks' 44-11 run over the final 12:39 of game time once the ball got rolling downhill, but Atkinson didn't make it easier on his team by refusing to give them a break to catch their breath.

The Cavaliers entered the series at a significant rest disadvantage after playing Game 7 against the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday night. The Knicks had been off since May 10 after completing a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Atkinson using his timeouts wouldn't have changed that, but any opportunity to give his guys a break and reset could have helped them avoid a historic collapse.

Instead, the Cavs now face a 1-0 series deficit going into Game 2 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.