It feels like forever since we've played.
But we've got our opponent, and it's go time!
Like every other Knick fan, I too hoped for a seven-game series between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that's what we got. The long series added time for our squad to rest up (get healthy, OG!) and more time to scout exactly what we'll have to deal with in the Eastern Conference Finals.
We've been here before, and a trip to the NBA Finals once again feels all too close. All too real!
The Cavaliers present some interesting dynamics with their electric backcourt and the size up front with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. There are also two players on the roster, Dennis Schroder and Max Strus, who often find ways to stick it to the Knicks. Sam Merrill seems like the kind of guy who would join that group in this series.
Nonetheless, the Knicks are on a historic run. The Cavs have been knocking on the door of the East for some time now. It seems fitting it's down to these two for the East crown. There is the obvious question of having the week off and whether it will create some rust. Maybe, some lost mojo? Or, stalled momentum?
At this point, so much of this seems like sports-talk fodder. Just win.
Again, Knicks fans have been to this doorstep before - the NBA Finals is right there! We're sooooooo close. So close, man.
- My Key Matchup: Mikal Bridges vs. Donovan Mitchell
- Of course, this is assuming this is the matchup Mike Brown will stay with as this series moves along. The Knicks have plenty of options defensively in this round and in this matchup. If Bridges can make life extremely tough for Mitchell offensively, while having Mitchell chase him around in multiple off-ball actions defensively, this could be a tipping point in how things break down throughout the series. I fully expect lots of defensive adjustments from both teams in terms of personnel coverage, with the Knicks continuing to hide Brunson on the defensive end.
- Let's not forget the job Bridges did on Tyrese Maxey last round.
- My Key Stats:
- 18.8 Points Per Game (75.7%) - That is the true shooting percentage for Mikal Bridge over the last five (dominating) games. He's been such an x-factor for the Knicks on their dominant seven-game stretch. Bridges at a high scoring clip can be trouble once again for a Knicks opponent.
- 44.7 Rebounds Per Game - The Knicks are fourth among all teams in the NBA Playoffs in Rebounds. The Knicks rely on boards to win games. They've done it in both rounds to rebound-deficient teams. Adding to this is that Big Mitch Robinson is first in offensive rebound percentage (16.8%).
- +19.4 Points Per Game - That's been the average differential over the past seven games, which is the most through two rounds ever. The Knicks likely don't keep that going, but that dominance surely has to provide something.
- My Key Player: Jalen Brunson
- After all of that Bridges talk?! Come on, man!
- Listen, since KAT has channeled Magic Johnson, it has coincided with this dominant run. However, I'm not sure the Cavaliers have an answer for Jalen Brunson. And this team will get over this hump if he's ballin'. For me, it's that simple.
- It's all about the Captain in this series.
Again, for this fan, just win, man. Just win. We're. So. Close.
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Game 1
Knicks d. Cavaliers, 115-104
(Knicks lead series, 1-0)
There was definitely rust. And we definitely lost our rhythm. And there was certainly frustration.
But man oh man! It was nice to have the complete opposite of last year's horrific Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Finals flipped on its head!
The Knicks looked ragged, and EVERYTHING looked and felt difficult.
A lot of despair and head hanging...
When you shoot 17% from three, it doesn't help.
Then...
Then! There was a historic 44-11 run. You know, just more historic things from this squad on this playoff journey. And that fourth quarter had me fist-pumping and holding in emotions and trying not to wake up my kids.
I've perfected the art of the silent scream and fist pump. And occasionally punching the pillows.
Through it all, it was the Captain who got us there.
Fun night. We escaped with one. And it seems like rust is a real thing.
Other Thoughts:
- Jalen Brunson...our guy. Our guy.
- What took the Knicks so long to hunt James Harden on defense? Repeated screens to go right at him...straight intentionality right out of the playground.
- Landry Shamet changed this game.
- Mike Brown will catch some heat, but kudos to him for going to his guy, which broke this open.
- Josh Hart on Donovan Mitchell was an interesting call for the first three quarters.
- Speaking of Mitchell...dude is bouncy. Not a shocking statement at all. He's a joy to watch. Sometimes I wonder in that alternate universe what it would have been like to have him as a Knick.
- Max Strus is a gritty player.
- A few buckets down the stretch simply didn't drop for the Cavs...we got lucky.
- After shooting 17%-ish for three quarters, the Knicks finished for 31.3%
- Mikal Bridges played a remarkable game. Lots of clutch shots and moments by Bridges in this one.
- Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists in 40 minutes. Not a bad game, but it felt like he could have had more impact. Especially when the Cavs had James Harden assigned to him.
- Miles McBride had a rough night.
Are we re-warmed up? Damn. 44-11 run. Unbelievable.
The answer seems like yes.
Let's go get Game 2.
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