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Cavaliers Retain Kenny Atkinson After EC Finals Run

5/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cavaliers will keep Kenny Atkinson as head coach for 2026-27.
His 2025-26 record of 116-48 (.707) and a 64-18 Coach of the Year season propelled the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals, the first without LeBron James since 1992 and the first since 2018.
Owner Dan Gilbert posted on X that the franchise is far from its goals, with stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden voicing support for Atkinson.

History

Historical Context

1995 saw the NBA add two Canadian franchises, the Raptors and Grizzlies, ending a half-century gap since the 1946-47 Toronto Huskies. After early struggles, Masai Ujiri’s 2013 hiring brought sustained playoff runs, culminating in the 2018-19

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Story summary

Cavaliers will keep Kenny Atkinson as head coach for 2026-27.
His 2025-26 record of 116-48 (.707) and a 64-18 Coach of the Year season propelled the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals, the first without LeBron James since 1992 and the first since 2018.
Owner Dan Gilbert posted on X that the franchise is far from its goals, with stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden voicing support for Atkinson.

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