NBA punishes Kenny Atkinson for actions during Cavs loss to Suns
yahoo -
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts after being ejected from the game against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was ejected from the team’s blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday. He picked up his second technical foul in the fourth quarter after arguing with a referee and incidentally bumping them in the process.

Atkinson was also critical of the officiating after the game as well, calling what transpired “circus-like.”

“We had one free throw after three quarters against a team that fouls 26th [worst],” Atkinson said. “And then the second free throw we got was after a flop. … I thought the game got out of hand quite honestly. … Parts of the game, it seemed circus-like, quite honestly. I don’t know if that’s what we want as a league. Certain characters in this league take liberties, and we don’t stand up to them.”

Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!

Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Mark Price shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.

Atkinson later pointed out that it wasn’t the official’s fault for why his team lost. The Cavs didn’t play their best as they were unable to take care of the ball, had poor perimeter defense, and couldn’t make enough shots to offset it.

On Saturday, the league announced that it was fining Atkinson $50,000 for his actions in Friday’s loss. The press release stated he was fined for “aggressively pursuing, berating, and making inadvertent contact with a game official.”

The loss in Phoenix snapped what was a five-game winning streak.

The Cavaliers will be on the road for the next week and a half as they have four games remaining on their five-game Western Conference road trip. They will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening.



read more