Cleveland Cavaliers-related updates: Micah Parsons criticizes Kenny Atkinson following Game 2's disappointing collapse
On a Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in a pickle, losing Game 2 in their playoff face-off against the Indiana Pacers, thanks to a heart-wrenching last-second loss. Despite missing several key players, the Cavs were controlling the game spectacularly until the final denouement, when they utterly crashed and burned, leaving the door wide open for Tyrese Haliburton to steal the show.
Even Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, fresh off Twitter's rebrand as X, couldn't help but express his astonishment and disappointment after watching the Coach of the Year winner, Kenny Atkinson, lose his footing.
"Cavs coaching is downright questionable. How the hell do you lose a game in under 40 seconds?" Parsons mused.
Parsons, however, did take a moment to praise Donovan Mitchell for his incredible 48-point performance. "Mitchell's epic display, wasted in a loss? Man, that post-game collapse was wild! Mitchell certainly deserved that win, Spider-Man!" Parsons penned.
A rigorous lesson in basketball misfortune for the Cavs
After taking a 17-point lead in the first quarter, playing without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, each out with injuries, the game seemed to be in the bag for the Cavs. However, the final minute brought a series of unfortunate events: two turnovers (the latter of which was an exquisitely bad inbounds pass from Max Strus), along with two offensive rebounds conceded off Pacers missed free throws, both of which directly contributed to Indiana scoring.
And just like that, the game was sealed with Haliburton's three-pointer dropping through the net. The Cavs’ last-ditch effort, a half-court heave by Sam Merrill, came too late and rang empty.
Now, in a less than desirable position, the Cavs have lost both their home games of the series and must embark on a road trip to attempt a comeback. To make matters worse, Mobley, Hunter, and Garland may not be available when they step back onto the court.
The Cavs are poised for a potentially vital Game 3 on Friday evening at 7:30 PM ET, in an effort to resuscitate their faltering season.
Sources:
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN
- The Athletic
- CBS Sports
- Fact: The Cleveland Cavaliers' implosion in the final minute of Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers was a shocking setback in the playoffs.
- Sports: Despite being short-handed due to injuries, the Cavs held a 17-point lead in the first quarter, only to lose control in the final minute and give up a game-winning three-pointer to Tyrese Haliburton.
- NBA: The Cavs' disappointing loss in Game 2, coupled with potential unavailability of key injured players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, puts them in a difficult position heading into Game 3.
- Injuries: The team's misfortune was evident in the final minute of Game 2, as turnovers and defensive lapses led to Indiana scoring the crucial points.
- Playoffs: Kenny Atkinson's coaching tactics are under scrutiny after the Cavs' collapse, as they now face an uphill battle in the playoffs, with a road trip ahead and the question of player availability looming large.
