New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Team Totals: Knicks 110.5, Cavs 108
Injury Report: Nothing
Cavs projected starters: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Knicks projected starters: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns
Offensive Ranks: Cavs 8th (6th halfcourt), Knicks 4th (7th halfcourt)
Defensive Ranks: Cavs 15th (15th halfcourt),, Knicks 10th (14th halfcourt)
Season Series: 2-1 Knicks
Noteworthy Missed Games: Josh Hart (1), Deuce McBride (2), Mitchell Robinson (1), James Harden (2; Garland only played one)
Atkinson quotes: Said it’s tough to say if they are gassed, said they struggled with the physicality of the Knicks, said they got good looks and didn’t make them, said they are trying to get Brunson to go right, said they have to “get one and go from there.”
Brown quotes: Said Mikal hit so many big shots while not fouling Harden, said they were able to play fast, said Mikal is picking and choosing when he gets his shots, said they are focused on the details and are trying to stay locked in, said the front office and ownership should get some credit for building the team.
Stats and notes:
*The Knicks are going for the sweep, and they have just controlled this series. They have a rebounding edge at 52.1% on TRB%, and an advantage on turnovers. Plus, the Knicks have just been dominating with their halfcourt offense in the last two games. The Cavs aren’t getting anything in transition and are very cold from deep in this series. This is probably over tonight.
*Jalen Brunson has cruised this series with 29 PPG and 8.7 dimes. The Cavs are pushing up Max Strus to guard Brunson, and they’re not doubling too much, either. Brunson is at 21.0 drives per game in this series, and he’s made 63.3% of his shots on those. Expect him to have another big game.
*Karl-Anthony Towns is playing a ton, and he hasn’t had big output in this series with a 15/11/4 average line. The Cavs have been putting Evan Mobley on him a ton, and it’s been a tough matchup for him. I’d expect Mobley to stick on Towns, making this a tougher spot for him.
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