Kenny Atkinson Says Cavs Are Winning Series vs. Knicks 'Analytically' Despite 3-0 Deficit

The Cleveland Cavaliers are down three games to zero to the New York Knicks in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals, but head coach Kenny Atkinson is looking at the bright side, claiming that his team has actually held the upper hand analytically in two-of-three games during his media availability on Sunday (6:43 mark).

"We've had success against this team before. We've had really good moments. In this series, up [20 points] Game 1. Even Game 2, take that, run out from the beginning of the third quarter, and it's pretty tight. I think analytically, I think we've won I said three-out-of-three, I think we're two-out-of-three in the [expected score]...we've won two-out-of three. And I know you're looking confused, but...if you believe in process and all that, take that layer."

"I don't throw that on them. I see it for myself. We have this feeling, I have this feeling, then I can go to our analytical table...last night, the expected score was like one point or two. Us shooting way below expected, them shooting way over.

"I know when no one wants to hear that. I think you guys like hearing it. I know the general public, no one wants to hear it. Everyone's outcome-based, I get that too."

On the scoreboard, the Cavs were up 93-71 in Game 1 with 7:40 left but lost 115-104 in overtime. The Knicks won 109-93 in Game 2 and then 121-108 in Game 3.

Regardless of whether or not the Cavaliers have won from an analytical point of view, they still are one loss away from their season being over.

The Cavs have fought hard to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, of course, defeating the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons in seven games. The win over Detroit was an impressive effort considering the Pistons just won 60 games and earned the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed.

Cleveland outplayed the Knicks for 40-plus minutes in Game 1 but floundered down the stretch as Jalen Brunson, Landry Shamet and Mikal Bridges all hit big shots en route to the victory.

Cleveland couldn't get much going in Game 2 as the Cavs shot just 39 percent from the field and trailed by seven or more for the entire fourth quarter en route to a 16-point loss.

New York got hot from the field in Game 3, making 56 percent of his shots and 39 percent of its three-pointers. Cleveland was cold from three, making only 29 percent of its shots. The Cavs also made just 12-of-19 free throws (63 percent).

The Cavs have certainly been hindered by cold shooting, but the defense simply hasn't been able to slow down the white-hot Knicks offense either.

Ultimately, the Cavs have an uphill battle ahead. Game 4 is set for Monday at 8 p.m. ET in Cleveland.