CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs’ five-day break wasn’t spent lounging on beaches or resting at home. Instead, players endured what they described as “uncomfortable” and “harsh” film sessions where no one — not even the team’s stars — was spared from criticism.

“Darius Garland also mentioned that Kenny Atkinson called out the ‘best players’ and went down the roster from there,” host Ethan Sands revealed on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, offering a glimpse into the team’s accountability reckoning.

The timing is significant. At 14-11 and labeled “one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA,” the Cavaliers needed this reset — not just physically, but mentally.

The approach marks a shift for Atkinson, who appears to be finding his voice after observing his team’s inconsistency through 25 game

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