Did former Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson take the secret sauce all the way with him to Ohio?
The Golden State Warriors are trying to end the year on a high note after a thrilling victory over their former teammate Kevin Durant and the Pacific Division rival Phoenix Suns. The Dubs’ last few games have all been about rivalry, with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers coming to down on Christmas. Then the other L.A. team Clippers knocked the Dubs off two days later. Then the Suns victory put some air in Golden State’s tires, making that three straight games against divisional rivals.
But now they’re going to face a rival that isn’t in their divison, or even their conference. We’re talking about those old Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been revamped under the power of a former Warriors assistant coach, Kenny Atkinson.
Brandin Podziemski out for the Warriors tonight vs Cavaliers with right abdominal tightness. Moses Moody probable.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 30, 2024
Earlier this season, back when the Warriors seemed like a sneaky juggernaut in the making, they ran into a formidable Cavs team in Cleveland. These teams came into the game red hot: the Cavs were 9-0 and the Dubs were 7-1.
The home team destroyed Golden State 136-117. Per NBA.com, “the Cavaliers became the first team in NBA history to win their first 10 games and score at least 110 points in each of them. Wilt Chamberlain and the 1960-61 Philadelphia Warriors had shared the mark with nine. Cleveland also set a franchise record with a 41-point halftime lead at 83-42 - tying the eighth largest in the NBA’s shot clock era - and equaled its mark for points in a half.”
Our blog buddy Fear the Sword had this to say about that matchup postgame:
Former Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson called Steve Kerr his mentor before the game. Kerr might have passed along too many secrets based on how this one went. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the better team in every aspect as they rolled to a one-sided 136-117 win.
Cleveland’s depth has been an overlooked reason why they’ve been so dominant this season. That showed up again tonight. Okoro’s offense was just as good as his defense. He was comfortably attacking off-the-dribble and from deep throughout the first half. That, combined with Ty Jerome’s 13 second-quarter points allowed the Cavs to continue to extend the early lead they built. They outscored the Warriors 44-20 in the second quarter to take a 41-point lead into the break.
The Cavs were able to cruise to an easy victory from there.
The Warriors who played under Kenny Atkinson aren't surprised by the start he's off to with the Cavs.
— Jackson Flickinger (@JacksFlickinger) November 9, 2024
“He’s got that fire,” Jonathan Kuminga said. “He’s real. If he sees some bullshit, he’s gonna come tell you.” https://t.co/teLqT8ZKeZ
Since then the Dubs have spiraled to a record of 16-15 while the Cavs have stayed balling, pushing their record to a league best 27-4.
Now it’s time for some payback, eh Dub Nation?
