The New York Knicks will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals this week, convinced their current lineup is better suited to slow Donovan Mitchell than the group that eliminated Cleveland three years ago.
New York, underdogs in that 2023 series, now enters with expectations of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. “I think both teams are different,” guard Jalen Brunson said, stressing that the upcoming matchup bears little resemblance to their previous postseason meeting.
Cleveland’s biggest change is the mid-season addition of James Harden, who joins Mitchell as a second elite playmaker. Since the former MVP’s arrival, the Cavaliers have ranked near the top of the league in clutch performance and overall offensive efficiency.
The Knicks have upgraded as well. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges—neither on the roster three years ago—give New York two lengthy, physical perimeter defenders. Bridges helped limit Tyrese Maxey in the second round after frustrating Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the opener, while Josh Hart has drawn praise for relentless pressure on opposing backcourts. “I’m a good defender,” Hart said. “As a competitor, you want tough matchups like that.”
New York held Cleveland almost 18 points below its regular-season scoring average in 2023, containing Mitchell after his 38-point outburst in Game 1. This postseason the All-Star guard is averaging 25.6 points, though his three-point shooting has yet to find rhythm.
Harden, 37, is contributing 20.1 points and 6.2 assists per game, countered by persistent turnover issues. “He’s able to create a lot of offense for them,” Brunson noted. “It’s like a pressure release for Donovan, as well.”
The Knicks trust their fortified defense; the Cavaliers believe their enhanced firepower can punish any overloading on Mitchell. One side’s adjustments will break through when the series opens.
Source: Hoops Wire
