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[Saba Sports News] Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t hold back before getting tossed from Thursday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
With just under a minute left and the Cavs trailing 78-76 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, center Tristan Thompson tied the game with a tough floater. But despite the bucket, Thompson was visibly frustrated by the lack of a foul call on Obi Toppin. Atkinson quickly came to his defense, unleashing a profanity-laced tirade at the referees that earned him two technical fouls and his second career ejection.
Repeatedly shouting “That’s bull—t!” Atkinson made his feelings crystal clear before heading to the locker room. The Cavaliers ultimately fell short without him, losing 114-112.
After the game, Atkinson stood by his actions.
“There are moral victories, and this is one of them,” he said. “I really loved how we competed tonight… I don’t regret that one. It’s Tristan Thompson—14 years in the league. That was a moment to stand up for your guys. I’ll take that one every day of the week.”
With Cleveland already having clinched the top seed in the East, Atkinson’s ejection may have been more about making a statement than chasing a win—sending a message to his players that he’s got their backs heading into the playoffs.