The Cleveland Cavaliers have faith they can make NBA history and come back to win the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in quite a hole in the Eastern Conference Finals. They are currently down three games to none against the New York Knicks, with all the momentum going in the opposition’s way.
If the Wine and Gold want to reach the Finals, it’s going to be four straight wins, two of which will need to come at one of the toughest places to play, Madison Square Garden.
Despite the reality of the situation, the Cavaliers still believe they can do the impossible and come back in this series.
“I mean, even in there in a film moment, it was about belief,” said Kenny Atkinson on Sunday.
“I asked them, ‘Why do we believe?’ I had, like, eight great answers. I said, ‘Well, that makes me believe more, 'cause you guys really, really believe in yourself.’ They listed all different reasons. Each guy had, like, a different reason or two. I don't need to get up there and say, ‘Hey, we gotta believe.’ Like, it's not that. They do believe.”
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts in the second quarter against New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesOne of the reasons this team is likely confident is that they’ve been firm in their belief that their process has been good, even though it hasn’t resulted in wins yet. Cleveland’s head coach even pointed out that, from the advanced analytics and metrics, the Cavaliers could be up 2-1 in the series, even though they aren’t.
“They're probably not steeped in the stats that you guys all know; how hard this is. I don't think they care about that. They believe in a group; they believe in each other. I believe we've had really good stretches against this team. I haven't connected at all to get to get over the hump,” continued Cleveland’s head coach.
Yes, having the mindset and confidence that a team can come back is the first step in doing just that. However, the Cavaliers also have to wrestle with the reality of the situation. They’re down 3-0 and are facing elimination without a win on the board.
No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA Playoff history. That said, as we all know, the Cavaliers franchise has a history of defying odds. Can this iteration of the Cavaliers put together another historic comeback?
Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavs. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
