In a remarkable turnaround, Kenny Atkinson has been honored as the 2024–25 NBA Coach of the Year, recognizing his impactful first season at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Atkinson guided the Cavaliers to a 64–18 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference and marking the second-highest win total in franchise history.

The Cavaliers' season was highlighted by a 15-game winning streak to start the year, tying the second-best start in NBA history. Later, the team achieved a franchise-record 16-game win streak between February and March.

Atkinson's coaching prowess was further acknowledged as he received 59 out of 100 first-place votes from a global media panel, surpassing Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.

This accolade places Atkinson alongside Bill Fitch and Mike Brown as the only Cavaliers coaches to receive the Coach of the Year honor.

Atkinson's previous head coaching experience includes a tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, where he led the team to a playoff appearance in 2019. He also served as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, contributing to their 2022 NBA Championship run.

Under Atkinson's leadership, the Cavaliers not only achieved regular-season success but also advanced past the Miami Heat in the playoffs with a record-setting point differential, before facing the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals.

Atkinson's Coach of the Year award underscores his significant impact on the Cavaliers' resurgence and his esteemed position among NBA coaching ranks.