Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has been named the 2025 NBA Coach of the Year, capping off a sensational first season in charge that saw the team finish with a 64-18 record and secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The 57-year-old was officially announced as the winner of the Red Auerbach Trophy on Monday evening, edging out Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff and Houston’s Ime Udoka in the final voting.
Historic Regular Season in Year One
Atkinson’s appointment marked a turning point for the Cavaliers. After a preseason filled with uncertainty, the team opened the regular season with a 15-0 run and never looked back. Cleveland would go on to register three separate winning streaks of at least 12 games, ultimately finishing with the best record in the conference.
The Cavaliers maintained much of their core roster from last season but flourished under Atkinson’s system, balancing a structured defense with creative offensive sets. His approach delivered the franchise’s first 60-win season since the LeBron James era.
Tight Competition From Fellow Finalists
Bickerstaff, who was dismissed by Cleveland last year and took over the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, led his new team to a 30-win improvement and a sixth-place finish in the East. Udoka guided the Houston Rockets to a 52-30 record and a return to the postseason after a five-year absence.
While all three were strong candidates, it was Atkinson’s immediate impact and consistency throughout the season that earned him top honors.
“I Stepped Into This”
Speaking after the announcement, Atkinson credited the team’s culture and staff for their shared success.
“I stepped into this,” Atkinson said. “It’s a little bit of luck too, right? But this group has been locked in from day one.”
This marks Atkinson’s first time winning Coach of the Year and the third such honor in Cavaliers franchise history.
Playoff Pressure Looms
Despite the accolades, Atkinson now faces a critical postseason test. The Cavaliers are trailing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and will need to regroup quickly to extend their campaign. His ability to adapt under playoff pressure will be crucial in determining whether Cleveland’s regular-season success can translate into a deeper run.
Key Facts:
- Record: 64-18 (First in Eastern Conference)
- Winning Streaks: 15-0 season start, three streaks of 12+ games
- Finalists: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit), Ime Udoka (Houston)
- Franchise Milestone: Third Coach of the Year in Cavaliers history
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