New York Knicks Face Playoff Elimination: Is Their Historic Run Pure Luck?

The New York Knicks have been on a dominant streak throughout the postseason. However, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals presents a significantly different challenge, potentially jeopardizing their quest for the NBA Finals, which would be their first in 27 years.

With top seeds like the Detroit Pistons eliminated and the Boston Celtics already on summer vacation, the Eastern Conference Finals feature an unexpected matchup: the Knicks and the Cavs. What was once considered a safe bet for the top teams at the season’s start, has transformed into a nail-biting contest.

New York has found incredible momentum, appearing to be genuine title contenders. However, Cleveland, despite a somewhat unimpressive journey to the ‘semifinals,’ has a history of performing when it counts. This preview delves into the upcoming series between the Knicks and the Cavaliers.

New York Knicks (E3) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (E4): The Road to the Conference Finals

The atmosphere in «The Big Apple» is electric. The Knicks, initially down 1-2 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, staged an incredible comeback. Head Coach Mike Brown’s team not only decisively turned the tide against the Hawks but then swept the Philadelphia 76ers with impressive speed.

The Knicks have won their last seven games by a combined 185 points, setting a playoff record. They comfortably defeated the exhausted Sixers 137-98 in Game 1, with only Game 2 (108-102) proving to be a close contest.

Following a solid road victory in Game 3, the Knicks capped off the series with another record-breaking performance in Game 4, scoring 144 points. They sank an astounding 25 out of 44 three-pointers. The thigh injury sustained by OG Anunoby in their second matchup against the Hawks seemed to have no impact on their performance.

The Cavaliers took a different route to the Conference Finals. They were pushed to seven games in their opening series against the Toronto Raptors. Their series against the Pistons initially looked like it would be a quick one, as Detroit aimed to close it out swiftly.

The Pistons won the first two home games and were on the verge of a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3, even close to securing an away win. It was a last-second three-pointer by James Harden that provided relief and the first Cavs victory. With renewed confidence, Cleveland went on to win the next two games, completing the comeback.

However, they delivered a surprisingly lackluster performance in Game 6. Instead of closing out the series, they reignited the ‘undead’ Pistons and were forced to travel to the ‘Motor City’ for the decisive seventh game. In that final game, Detroit ran out of steam. Led by a strong Donovan Mitchell, who finally overcame his playoff struggles, the Cavs advanced to the Conference Finals.

Brunson, Towns, and a Question Mark: How the Knicks Can Win the Series

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson are the linchpins for the Knicks. They are typically the team’s best offensive players and, conversely, often their weakest on defense.

Coach Brown adjusted the offense after falling behind against Atlanta, increasingly entrusting Towns with the ball at the start of possessions. Since then, his team has been nearly unstoppable. In the second round, the Knicks averaged 124.3 points per game, shooting 54.5% from the field, 44.8% from three-point range, and dishing out an average of 29.3 assists – all league bests. Brunson led the league in scoring (29.0 PPG), while Towns ranked second in assists (7.5 APG). They form a truly formidable duo!

This offensive prowess, however, does not extend to their defense. Brunson’s limitations in one-on-one defense are well-known, as are Towns’ struggles in open space. Atlanta and Philadelphia frequently exploited them in pick-and-roll situations, and Mitchell and Harden are likely to employ similar tactics with success.

Thus far, the Knicks have managed reasonably well defensively, but they have also benefited from considerable luck. Opponents have shot just 31.2% from three-point range in the playoffs, another league-leading statistic for the Knicks. This isn’t necessarily due to forcing difficult shots; rather, opponents have only converted 31.7% of their open distance shots.

This trend is unlikely to continue against the Cavs, especially with the hot shooting of three-point specialist Sam Merrill reaching new heights. The Knicks and their stars must maintain their offensive level while significantly improving their defense to avoid relying solely on luck.

The return of Anunoby would be crucial. The quick series against Philadelphia and the longer matchups for the Cavs and Pistons have given him ample time to recover. It is widely expected that he will be back on the court for the opening game, though his current form remains uncertain.

Before his injury, Anunoby had emerged as the Knicks’ secret MVP in the playoffs, averaging 21.4 points per game with incredible efficiency (61.9 FG%, 53.8 3FG%). He also contributed 7.5 rebounds and significant defensive stats (1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks) per game. If he can regain his form while the Cavs’ defenders focus on Brunson and Towns, the offense could continue to flow, especially with Mikal Bridges recently finding his shooting touch again.

Harden Must Be Wary: How the Cavaliers Can Win the Series

For the Cavaliers to keep pace with the Knicks’ high-scoring offense, they will need to take a similar number of shots. While this may seem obvious, it will be a monumental task for the Cavs.

The Cavs’ big men performed well against Jalen Duren, who had an impact with his rebounding during the regular season. However, this could also be attributed to Duren’s poor performance. Now, they face Mitchell Robinson, the league’s premier offensive rebounder.

Robinson leads the league in offensive rebound percentage among players with significant playoff minutes. Jordan Clarkson ranks eighth in this category, with Towns at eleventh. The Cavs were heavily outmatched by the Knicks in a series three years ago.

Adding to their challenges are turnover issues. Only the Los Angeles Lakers surrendered the ball more frequently in the previous round. Crucially, the Lakers faced a team with quick hands in Oklahoma City and were without their nominal point guard.

James Harden is the biggest culprit in Cleveland in this regard. Among players who have appeared at least twice in this year’s playoffs, «The Beard» ranks second with 4.8 turnovers per game. The number of games where he has accumulated more turnovers than made field goals has been concerningly high in recent weeks. In almost typical fashion, he had a poor shooting night in Game 7 against the Pistons (9 PTS, 2/10 FG, 0/6 3FG). However, he otherwise performed well and managed his ball possession more effectively (1 TO).

His lack of scoring was acceptable as the rest of his team stepped up, with four players exceeding the 20-point mark. Mitchell has looked more energetic recently and has excelled in his new playmaking role. If Harden has another off-night, Mitchell will need to take matters into his own hands. However, he struggled against Bridges in their direct matchups.

Fortunately, Evan Mobley is beginning to show more aggression. In the last five games against the Pistons, he averaged 17.6 points. This scoring will be just as vital as contributions from the bench. The Knicks have demonstrated the best net rating among all NBA reserve units this season. «That’s just how it is in the playoffs. You need a Sam Merrill game, you need a Dennis Schröder game. Max Strus also had a great game,» Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson analyzed after Game 7. He will need such performances in every upcoming game.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers: The Prediction

Spox Prediction: Knicks in 6

New York will face a stern test, and Cleveland will be their toughest opponent in the playoffs thus far. However, the Knicks are fueled by their current euphoria, are better rested, and have a deeper roster. Mitchell will have his usual explosive performances, and James Harden will have moments of brilliance. This will be enough for two wins and some close games, but not much more.

NBA: Schedule for the Knicks vs. Cavaliers Series

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