Knicks Shift Focus To Marquee Matchup Against Cavs
The New York Knicks may have gotten through their first game following the All-Star break, but they know a much tougher opponent is on the way. Following their 113-111 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks have to turn quickly around to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland beat New York 110-104 in the first matchup between the two teams back on October 28th. In the game, Darius Garland scored 34 points while the Cavs outscored the Knicks by 10 in the final frame. It’s a matchup the Knicks haven’t forgotten about. “Obviously, their record tells you how good they are,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “They’ve had a good season. We’re going to have to go in and play 48 minutes of great basketball. We understand what we’re going to have to do to go in there.
They’re a terrific team.” Cleveland sits in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 45-10 record. At 37-18, the Knicks appear to be well behind them for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Especially with the team down multiple starters along the lineup.
Despite being down Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, New York was able to move forward with a win in overtime against a desperate Bulls team while earning the respect of the rest of the stars on the roster. Related: Knicks Locker Room Speaks Out On Major Mitchell Robinson Update “It’s very important for them to come in with a next-man mentality. It’s nothing new for them,” Jalen Brunson said. “They’ve been in this position before and they’re very successful when they do it.
