Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is prepared to navigate the challenges of the playoffs with a balanced approach. As they gear up for their first round matchup, he emphasizes the importance of remaining authentic and not overcoaching. Atkinson reflects on his past experiences, acknowledging the need to adapt while maintaining the core principles that got the team to this point.

Key players like Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland have established trust with Atkinson, crucial for effective communication during high-stakes games. The chemistry within the team has been highlighted by Garland, who notes that the players 'vibe' well together, essential for navigating the shifts in roles that come with postseason play. As the Cavs prepare for Game 1, Atkinson's focus is on keeping the game plan consistent while being ready to make adjustments as necessary.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the NBA playoffs, concluding their regular season with a record of 64-17. In their final game against the Indiana Pacers, the Cavs opted to rest most of their key players, except for Jarrett Allen, who desired to complete the full 82-game season. The matchup against the Pacers, who finished with a respectable 49-32 record, is scheduled for 1 p.m. as the Cavs prepare for the playoffs.

As the No. 1 seed, the Cavaliers will face the winner of the Play-In Tournament, comprising the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat. The playoff schedule kicks off on April 19, with Game 1 of Cleveland’s first-round series likely to be held at home on April 20. The Cavs are aiming for a strong playoff performance after last year's semifinals exit against the Boston Celtics.

Darius Garland delivered a stellar performance in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers execute a remarkable comeback against the New York Knicks, overcoming a staggering 23-point deficit to secure a 108-102 victory. This win, however, came too late for the Knicks, who had already clinched the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs earlier in the day, thanks to the Indiana Pacers' loss to the Orlando Magic.

Garland ended the game with 26 points, leading a Cavaliers squad that had already locked in the No. 1 seed in the East. With key players like Donovan Mitchell sidelined due to injury, other Cavs stepped up, including Jarrett Allen with a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds and Max Strus adding 19 points. The Knicks' Jalen Brunson led his team with 27 points, but their 1-11 record against top teams, including the Cavaliers, raises concerns as they prepare for their playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

The New York Knicks faced a significant challenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers, culminating in a disappointing 108-102 loss despite starting strong with a 23-point lead. Key players like Donovan Mitchell and De’Andre Hunter were rested for Cleveland, yet the Knicks failed to capitalize on this advantage. Jalen Brunson led New York with 27 points, but the team struggled defensively, allowing Darius Garland to score 26 points and dish out 13 assists. This defeat further highlights the Knicks' troubling trend, as they remain winless against top-seeded teams this season, now standing at 0-10 against the NBA’s elite. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Knicks must address their inconsistencies and prepare for a crucial matchup against the Brooklyn Nets to regain momentum.