Why Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson doesn’t ‘give a d**n’ about criticism, per Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell defended head coach Kenny Atkinson following the team’s season-ending loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Cavs’ season officially ended Monday night after suffering a humiliating 130-93 blowout loss in Game 4, completing a four-game sweep as the Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

After the defeat, Mitchell addressed outside criticism surrounding Atkinson while making it clear the Cavaliers coach remains unfazed by public opinion despite the disappointing playoff exit. SNY Knicks later took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing Mitchell’s blunt response regarding the criticism Cleveland’s head coach continues to receive.

“I know for a fact he’s from Long Island, he don’t give a damn”

The following story is in development and will be updated shortly.

"I know for a fact he's from Long Island, he don't give a damn"

Donovan Mitchell talks about the criticisms Kenny Atkinson receives pic.twitter.com/zUHn0TEuno

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) May 26, 2026

Mitchell’s comments came after one of the most disappointing losses of Cleveland’s season. The Cavaliers briefly grabbed an early lead behind strong opening minutes from Mitchell and Evan Mobley before the Knicks completely shifted momentum with a devastating 20-0 run spanning the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second.

From there, the Knicks dominated every aspect of the game while exposing the Cavaliers’ defensive breakdowns and transition struggles throughout the night. The Knicks eventually built a lead of more than 40 points before Atkinson pulled his starters midway through the fourth quarter.

The blowout defeat intensified criticism surrounding Cleveland after the team entered the postseason viewed as a legitimate championship contender following a strong regular season. Instead, they failed to match the Knicks’ physicality, pace, and execution throughout the Eastern Conference Finals sweep.

Despite the outside scrutiny following the season-ending loss, Mitchell’s public defense reinforced the Cavaliers locker room’s continued support for Atkinson after Cleveland’s disappointing finish to the 2026 postseason.

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