Kenny Atkinson defends Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley rests

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson no word on Wednesday regarding NBA fines $100,000 for resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley last week. Asked multiple times about the punishment, Atkinson was initially quiet enough before voicing his disagreement with the league’s decision.

“I have to look out for the best interests of the Cavs,” Atkinson said in his pregame press conference before the Cavs’ matchup with the Houston Rockets.

“Fifteen games in 27 days, let that sink in everybody. We’re sitting here in our seats. But three in a row. We’re going into the fourth straight game. I think my No. 1 job is to continue to protect the health of our players. So (it’s) as simple as that.”

In the middle of a five-for-seven stretch, Atkinson said he wouldn’t change his approach from last week’s game in Miami, which the Cavs won 130-116. Cleveland showed their depth and developed players as they emerged victorious.

“From a competitive standpoint, I think we won that game as well,” Atkinson said. “To me, you throw it at that, and it’s like, wait a minute, are you discrediting the guys that played that night?

“We’re being punished for that? I don’t know if that makes sense to you; it doesn’t make sense to me. I understand the league has its policies, but again, I’m just looking at it from my perspective and my team and our organization. I’m sure the NBA doesn’t agree with everything I do. It’s a great league, it’s a great product. We have to.

Immediately following the win over the Heat, the team boarded a flight back home and landed at 3:30 a.m. ET on the same day they had to host the Toronto Raptors for the second night of back-to-back games.

Managing players and prioritizing their physical health has become paramount for NBA coaches today. Atkinson and Cleveland staff will continue to act in the best interest welfare list. Atkinson believes that basketball is a different game now, not only with the pace, but also with the intensity of the game. That, combined with the tight schedule, underscores the need for extra caution during the long season.

“It’s not just running up and down the field, it’s how you do it,” Atkinson said. “Teams are pressing further down the court, which means we have to cover more ground to turn guys over. More teams are getting offensive rebounds; the rate is higher than ever. So you have to physically get down, and then you have to get back before you’re down. So add that to the playbook.

“Everybody knows the transition possession is the most valuable possession in the game, so everybody’s looking for it. It’s like baseball. Everybody’s trying to be as efficient as possible at what we do, which is our job. Every pitcher is trying to throw a hundred whatever (innings). Now, obviously when you’re looking for efficiency, sometimes you don’t just have to do it in the league. We’ve got to figure this out.”

The Cavs want to be at their best when the playoffs roll around, and this strategy gives them the best chance to achieve that goal.