Kenny Atkinson has won the 2024–25 NBA Coach of the Year award. The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ head coach earned the honor after guiding his team to an impressive 64–18 record this season.
In his first season with the Cavaliers, Atkinson led the team to a 64-18 record, the best in the Eastern Conference, and the second-best in franchise history
This is the first Coach of the Year award for Atkinson in his NBA career. He took over as head coach of the Cavaliers in the offseason and quickly turned the team into one of the league’s top contenders.
Under Atkinson, Cleveland finished second overall in the league and had the best record in the Eastern Conference. The team showed substantial improvement in both offense and defense throughout the season.
The Cavaliers’ 64 wins are among the best in franchise history. Atkinson’s coaching style and leadership played a big role in the team’s success.
Atkinson has been in the NBA coaching world for years. He served as the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach from 2016 to 2020. After that, he worked as an assistant with the Clippers and the Warriors. He was part of the Golden State Warriors’ coaching staff when they won the NBA title in 2022.
He is known for his focus on player development and team discipline. His approach helped young talent like Evan Mobley and veteran players like Donovan Mitchell shine this season.
Atkinson received 47 first-place votes and 359 total points in the Coach of the Year voting. He finished ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mark Daigneault and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Chris Finch.
The Cavaliers are now preparing for a deep playoff run. Fans and analysts credit Atkinson for building a strong, balanced team capable of challenging for the NBA title.
