# Cavaliers coach explains 'analytically' quote

> Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson clarifies his 'analytically' playoff quote after Knicks win.
- Title: Cavaliers coach explains 'analytically' quote · CBS Sports
- Summary: Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson clarifies his 'analytically' playoff quote after Knicks win.
- Keywords: cavaliers, knicks, kenny atkinson, nba, playoffs, expected score, prime stats, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/cavaliers-kenny-atkinson-analytically-won-knicks-playoffs
- Published: 2026-11-08T14:25:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cavaliers, knicks, kenny atkinson, nba, playoffs, expected score, prime stats, sports
## Kenny Atkinson's infamous quote
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson made a now-infamous comment after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

> Analytically … we've won 2 out of 3
## What Atkinson meant
Atkinson said the Cavaliers were two out of three in the expected score based on shooting performance.

> We're two out of the three in the expected score
## Expected score details
Prime Stats showed Game 3 expected score at 113-113, with Game 1 expected 10-point win for Knicks.

> Prime Stats has an expected score metric
## Knicks' response
Knicks players mocked Atkinson's quote, with Josh Hart joking they lost 'analytically' on podcast.

> I guess we lost analytically
## Recent game result
Cavaliers lost to Knicks 109-97, with Prime Stats showing expected score 112-103.

> Prime Stats posting an expected score of 112-103
## Atkinson's clarification
Atkinson said his quote was taken out of context and he was complimentary of Knicks performance.

> I would just say there was no coach more complimentary of the Knicks
## Why the quote stuck
Atkinson's phrasing became a meme after losing 3-0 with a 22-point fourth-quarter lead.

> The soundbite eclipsed the quote and the context
## Key takeaway

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson says his 'analytically' quote was taken out of context after losing 3-0 to Knicks in playoffs.