Expected at the turn after the Game 1 loss at home, the Cavs reacted with authority in the second set against the Knicks. Cleveland wins 107-90 to tie the series at 1-1.
For the stat sheet of this match, it’s here.
Operation redemption for the Cavs of Donovan Mitchell after the loss of home field advantage in Game 1. Already back to the wall, the Ohio players had no room for error this night at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Despite a timid start, JB Bickerstaff’s proteges quickly proved that they had heard the message.
Carried by a Darius Garland (32 points) on his cloud in attack, with Donovan Mitchell in a role of creator who does not force anything (13 assists!) and the good contribution of Caris LeVert off the bench, Cleveland was especially illustrated by its solidity behind. Suffocating, breathless, led by the Evan Mobley wall, the Cavs defense was impressive to limit New York to 90 points. It is recalled that the Knicks have the fourth attack of the entire NBA this season, so rather not an easy task.
Constantly embarrassed in the construction of their game, the Knicks took a wall in the face. The executives are all passed by, with a 17/50 in shooting for the Brunson-Randle-Barrett trio. Multiplying ball losses and forced actions, Big Apple players have never been able to worry the best defense in the country, which is too solid and close-knit.
Julius 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/NipE5X34uS
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 19, 2023
The victory is there, it is mastered and the Cavs can clearly rely on it for the rest of the series. Side Knicks, there is not much to save this night but the important thing is elsewhere. New York got the job done by snatching a win over Ohio to regain home-court advantage.
That being said: New York has done the job.
The goal was to take one in Cleveland, it’s done.
A week ago you tell Knicks fans that it will be 1-1 after 2 games with the Cavs, they sign with their eyes closed.
So now for them will have to ensure at home.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 19, 2023
Now, direction Big Apple to find out if Tom Thibodeau’s players will be respected at home to drive the point home or if the Cavs will surf on the dynamics of this meeting to regain control in the Mecca of Basketball. Considering the intensity and the physical challenge seen since the beginning of this series, it promises a good fight on the side of Madison Square Garden.
