Kenny Atkinson’s Prophecy Unfolds: Cavs Suffer 114-104 Defeat Against Houston Rockets

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson had a warning for his team, but they didn’t listen. They faced a tough challenge against the Houston Rockets, losing 114-104 and snapping a two-game winning streak.

Atkinson reflected on the game, saying, “I don’t want to blame it on missed shots. We were dominated for most of the game.” He pointed out Houston’s strategy of clogging the paint, which made it hard for Cleveland to capitalize.

The Cavs were missing key players, including Darius Garland (toe), Jaylon Tyson (concussion), Sam Merrill (hand), and Max Strus (surgery). This left them vulnerable, allowing the Rockets to jump ahead quickly. Cleveland found themselves in familiar trouble, digging a double-digit hole early on.

In the first quarter, the Cavs only scored 19 points, matching one of their season-low scoring quarters. But they showed resilience in the third quarter, limiting Houston’s high-powered offense to just 17 points and closing the gap to four.

Despite this spark, the Rockets quickly pushed their lead back to double digits. Houston held the lead for most of the night, even going up by 22 points at one time. Their All-Star center, Alperen Sengun, shined with 28 points, while Kevin Durant added 20.

The Cavs had some standout performances, with De’Andre Hunter scoring 25 points and Donovan Mitchell contributing 21. However, they struggled with free throws, hitting on just 62.5% of their attempts. Atkinson stressed the importance of making free throws, especially when given so many opportunities.

Rebounding was another issue. The Rockets out-rebounded the Cavs 51-39, grabbing 16 offensive boards. Atkinson noted, “We have to focus more on rebounding; they outmatched us.”

This loss serves as a reminder for Cleveland. They can’t rely on “B” games against top teams. Their inconsistency could hold back their growth this season. With their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers, they have a chance to reset and improve.

In the NBA, winning teams often build on their strengths while responding to weaknesses. The Cavs need to raise their game if they hope to compete with the elite teams in the league. Being able to maintain high standards will be crucial as the season progresses.

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