As the Cleveland Cavaliers charge toward the NBA playoffs, the journey ahead demands a difficult but necessary sacrifice: cutting down the rotation. For head coach Kenny Atkinson, the decision isn’t just strategic—it’s essential. It’s the difference between being a good team and a great one, the difference between a playoff run and a championship.
The luxury of depth has defined the Cavaliers all season. With a roster brimming with talent, Atkinson has deployed versatile lineups, leaning on the likes of Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and a bench that can swing momentum in a heartbeat. It’s been a recipe for regular-season success, but as the postseason looms, depth becomes a double-edged sword.
Playoff basketball is ruthless. It’s about trusting your top guys, making the tough calls, and squeezing every ounce of productivity from a tightened rotation. Roles crystallize, and sacrifices are made. It’s a high-stakes environment where every possession counts. For the Cavaliers, that means not everyone who’s earned playing time will get it.
Atkinson’s challenge? Deciding who stays on the court and who watches from the sideline.
The reality of tough decisions happened in the Cavaliers’ latest win
The difficulty of managing rotations came to a head in Cleveland’s recent 124-116 win against the San Antonio Spurs. Even with Mobley resting and Ty Jerome sidelined due to a sore knee, Atkinson struggled to fit everyone in. The toughest call came in the fourth quarter, when Isaac Okoro, who had been lights out in the first half, was benched down the stretch.
Okoro’s nine points on 4-of-5 shooting and lockdown defense had helped the Cavaliers control the game early. But in the closing minutes, Atkinson opted to ride with De’Andre Hunter instead. The decision worked, but it left Okoro wondering what more he needed to do.
“We debated getting him back in at the end,” Atkinson said after the game. “He probably deserved to play at the end. That’s how well he played. And we went back and forth. We stuck with Dre, which worked out. But he deserved to play at the end of the game.”
The choice to swap Okoro for Hunter was a decision made out of necessity, not a lack of trust. Atkinson understands that in the postseason. It’s not always about who played the best in the first half. Instead, it’s about who gives you the best chance to win when it matters most.
Tough rotation questions are always on Kenny Atkinson’s mind
Atkinson’s recent decision with Okoro isn’t the first time he’s dealt with this scenario.
In a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jerome dropped 25 points, keeping the Cavaliers competitive despite Mitchell being out. Yet in the fourth quarter, Jerome’s minutes vanished. Instead, Atkinson leaned on Garland, valuing his experience and clutch shot-making over Jerome’s hot hand.
Max Strus, too, found himself sidelined after a 24-point outburst against the Los Angeles Clippers. The decision to limit his minutes in the fourth quarter was a calculated risk, but these choices are never easy.
“These are really hard decisions,” Atkinson acknowledged. “But, I’m constantly talking to the team. This is what it takes. You have to be selfless. And you have to support your teammate and have a positive spirit. You might deserve to finish, and you don’t. I think that’s why we have the record we have. Because we got a selfless group. They understand what it’s all about.
“But it’s going to be when it starts to get crunch time. It’s going to be a hard decision for this coaching staff. Everybody said, ‘Well, it’s a good problem to have.’ But it’s the tough part of the job.”
Cleveland’s culture allows for rotation experimentation
What sets the Cavaliers apart is a collective understanding—an unspoken agreement that the team’s success comes before individual glory. That belief has been reinforced by Atkinson all season. He’s been transparent, constantly communicating the importance of sacrifice.
“We all believe in each other,” Strus said. “I’ve been saying it all year. We all enjoy each other’s successes. We all want each other to win and do great things. So when you have a locker room like that, good things can happen.
“We need to keep that spear, keep that edge, and know that everybody in here is more than capable enough to help us get a win in any single way.”
Cleveland’s culture and Atkinson’s approach through the lens of health and readiness have emphasized cohesion and trust, creating an environment where players know they’re valued even if they’re not on the floor. The buy-in has been total, and it’s why the Cavaliers have thrived.
The result has been a strategic resting of stars, with Mobley, Mitchell, and Garland getting nights off to stay fresh. It’s a calculated approach, valuing long-term gains over regular-season milestones.
Even now, with a chance to set a franchise record for wins, the focus remains on the big picture. Atkinson and the Cavaliers aren’t chasing records. They’re chasing a championship.
The truth about the Cavaliers’ depth will come to light in the NBA Playoffs
When the postseason tips off, the Cavaliers’ rotation will inevitably shrink. The luxury of depth is a blessing during the regular season, but in the playoffs, it’s about precision. Only the most impactful players can be on the floor.
Atkinson faces a tricky balance: keep his stars sharp and rested, maintain rhythm, and be ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. The playoffs are about matchups, and the Cavaliers must be ready to pivot.
The Cavaliers must find the balance between consistency and unpredictability. Cleveland must lean on the stars but be ready to turn to a role player if needed. The Cavaliers’ strength in numbers will be tested, but only the strongest will survive.
“You’ve got to be playing your best basketball going into the playoffs,” Strus said. “You don’t just want to wake up when it’s time to wake up.”
For Cleveland, the plan has always been about the long game. With less than ten regular-season games to go, the Cavaliers’ plan will soon be put into execution and, based on the results, appear ready to answer the call.
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