Kenny Atkinson simply couldn't believe it, and his face said it all.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland had just been called for a foul late in Wednesday's win over the Miami Heat. There didn't appear to have been any contact, yet the whistle blew.
So Atkinson gave the referee nearest to him a staredown of disbelief. And then he threw up his arms emphatically to call a timeout and initiate a challenge.
If it doesn't sound that exciting, you have to watch how Atkinson went about doing this.
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It's one of the most meme-able moments an NBA head coach has ever had with an official.
Kenny Atkinson with the greatest challenge in NBA history😭pic.twitter.com/Z5iDqI6gzG
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) April 24, 2025
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This will surely not be the last time you see this video. And yes, Atkinson won the challenge.
Atkinson is the favorite to be named NBA Coach of the Year. He's in his first year with Cleveland after being an assistant in Golden State, following a promising tenure as Nets head coach.
The Cavs are the East's top-seed, and Atkinson has helped unlock Evan Mobley and return Garland to the peak of his powers while finding the optimal usage for Donovan Mitchell.
Cleveland surprised some by getting rid of J.B. Bickerstaff after being a playoff team already, but the move to Atkinson has paid off in a big way.
And now the Cavs' head man has gone viral for one of the most amusing sideline interactions of the entire NBA season.
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