What is it About the Knicks?

Photo via Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Oh. – The Cavs lost again to the New York Knicks 107 – 98. In a game that was primed for the Cavs to take, the Cavs squandered an opportunity to take it to the team that everyone measures them against. Tonight’s loss feels different though. 

Jalen Brunson left the game after just 47 seconds of playing with a knee injury. He did not return, so Donte DiVincenzo took over the scoring with 28 points, while Josh Hart recorded a triple double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assist. 

The Knicks completely and utterly dominated the Cavs and even when it seemed the Cavs would make a run, they would fall short as a timely three from DiVincenzo or Hart or Miles McBride(who came in for Brunson and played the rest of the way). It didn’t matter who was playing, the Knicks just kept pushing the Cavs away.

Coach JB said after the game he felt the Cavs kind of took their foot off the gas when Brunson went out, but…. This isn’t the team to do that with. The Cavs have to find a way to beat the Knicks. That could very easily be the playoff opponent this year. Having games where you can’t beat this team who dressed 9 and ended up playing 8 players, you HAVE to win these games. 

Sam Merrill provided a spark for the Cavs who played without Donovan Mitchell (left knee) and Caris LeVert (elbow). Merrill scored 21 points on all threes but was taken out of the game at a time the Cavs were making a run. Finding consistent minutes for Sam has proven difficult, but when he plays, he has been really good. 

This loss just feels so bad. The Cavs have to figure out a way to beat the Knicks. Some of these losses are starting to feel avoidable. Certain losses sting more than others and for me, this one stings. The Cavs will look to regroup on Tuesday as the league leading Celtics come to town. We will see how the team responds, but… until they bat the Knicks, it wont matter.