No pink slip for Cavs' Kenny Atkinson, but questions remain

Catch up quick: Atkinson led Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.

• However, the team was flat-out embarrassed by the New York Knicks in a four-game sweep that ended with a blowout loss Monday at Rocket Arena.

Zoom in: Atkinson was criticized heavily after failing to make significant adjustments as the Cavs squandered a 22-point lead against the Knicks in Game 1.

• As Cleveland went down 3-0, Atkinson drew more criticism when he told the media: "Analytically … we're two out of three."

Yes, but: Team star Donovan Mitchell threw his support behind Atkinson after the series.

• "We've done something that we haven't done since 2018," Mitchell said during a postgame press conference. "There's going to be criticism everywhere ... we're on Kenny, right, but why?"

The big picture: Cleveland faces several questions this offseason, including whether to re-sign James Harden after a rocky playoff performance and whether to trade a promising, young player like Evan Mobley.

Between the lines: The Cavs still could pursue a big roster move (paging LeBron James), but Atkinson's return likely pours cold water on a major roster overhaul.

• If owner Dan Gilbert didn't think the Cavs were at least close to contending for a championship, Atkinson would be in the unemployment line.

The bottom line: Many fans won't be happy with this decision, but as the basketball saying goes, you've got to believe in the process.