Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacted strongly to the NBA fining Cleveland $100K for violating the league’s player participation policy, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
The penalty stemmed from the Cavs resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley last Wednesday, both of whom qualify as “stars” under the rules.
Atkinson defended the decision, emphasizing that the team’s priority was player health.
“I think my number one job is to continue to protect the health of our players,” Atkinson said.
“So [it’s] kind of that simple. I think that Miami game, we came home at 3:30 in the morning, so you have to anticipate sometimes too, what the schedule looks like. We have those discussions, we make decisions. I’ll rock with that decision.”
He also expressed frustration that the fine overlooked the performance of the players who did suit up. “We win that game too,” Atkinson said.
“So, to me, you throw that on top of it and it’s like, wait a second, are you discrediting the guys that played that night? … We helped develop guys and we won the game and then we get penalized for it.”
Kenny Atkinson responds to the NBA fining the Cavs $100K for resting players, plus more notes from around the Central: https://t.co/G4fnmwqxy9
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 20, 2025
