Kenny Atkinson is optimistic the Cleveland Cavaliers can overcome their 3-0 series deficit against the New York Knicks based on the analytical data he's seen from the East finals so far.
"Analytically, I think we've won the - I said three out of three (games in the series), we're two out of three in the expected wins," Atkinson told reporters Sunday, per ESPN. "I don't know if you guys follow that - the expected score. We've won two out of three."
He explained more about his perspective on Saturday's Game 3 loss.
"Last night, our expected score was like one point or two - us shooting way below expected," Atkinson added. "Them shooting way over. I know no one wants to hear that. I think you guys like it. I know the general public - no one wants that. Everyone is outcome-based. Sure, I get that, too."
Cleveland has been outscored by 40 points in the series. The Knicks are shooting 51.6% from the field, while the Cavs have made 42.9% of their looks overall.
Atkinson's squad has attempted 10 more threes per game than New York but is averaging just one additional made 3-pointer. The Knicks have drilled 32.4% of their open triples in the series compared to a 21.3% clip for the Cavs, per NBA.com.
"If you believe in process and all that ... take that layer," Atkinson said. "I know I don't throw that on them (the players). I see it for myself. We have this feeling - I have this feeling - then I can go to our analytical table."
No NBA team has ever won a series after falling into a 3-0 deficit. Only four clubs have forced a Game 7 after dropping the first three games. The 2022-23 Boston Celtics were the most recent team to accomplish the feat.
Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals takes place in Cleveland at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.
