Former Cavaliers Champion Calls Out Team for Quitting in Game 4 vs Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Monday night trailing 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.

However, in their final opportunity to try and put some pressure on the series, the Cavaliers delivered arguably their worst performance yet, losing 130-93 to complete the sweep as the Knicks extended their postseason winning streak to 11 games and advanced to their first NBA Finals since 1999.

Cleveland got off to a decent start in the opening minutes, but things quickly unraveled as New York took a 38-26 lead after the first quarter and carried a 68-49 advantage into halftime.

More news: NBA Insider Sounds Alarm on Thunder After Game 4 Loss

More news: Dwyane Wade Says Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Has ‘No Weaknesses'

The Cavaliers seemingly "quit" in the eyes of many, as not only Charles Barkley and Ron Harper voiced frustration with the team's effort, but 2016 champion Channing Frye did as well.

"Looks up definition of ‘quit,' sees Cavs team," Frye posted on X.

Harper, who played four seasons for the Cavaliers and averaged more than 19 points per game during his time in Cleveland, took a direct shot at the team following the loss.

He specifically called out head coach Kenny Atkinson and suggested there was far more to blame than just James Harden, who has often been made the scapegoat.

"Being a Cavs ex-player, it's disappointing seeing them lay down and the coach being unaccountable in the series. It's the Eastern Conference Finals and you lay down. Don't just blame James Harden, look at it all!!!!!" Harper posted.

More news: Devin Vassell Sends Bold Message Before Spurs Return to OKC

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 10:49 PM.