NBA Playoffs, Knicks-Cavs: two similar teams, but one has the edge where it matters
Two deep teams with similar roster construction meet in what looks like an evenly matched series. But what we’ve seen so far in the playoffs points to a clear favorite
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ win over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons gave the New York Knicks the opportunity to enter the long-awaited Eastern Conference Finals with home-court advantage. At the same time, simply getting here represents a massive sigh of relief for Cleveland, considering how many times this goal slipped away in recent years – to the point where this season started to feel like a last chance.
Now, for the core led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, it’s time to see what it feels like to be one step away from the Finals, carrying the weight of already having played 14 NBA postseason games.
Their opponents, riding a seven-game winning streak, are dreaming of pushing it to nine behind the energy of Madison Square Garden. But concentration lapses could become dangerous: the Cavs just proved they learned how to win on the road after eliminating Detroit. They may not be ready to stop now.
Let’s take a closer look at why this series could become a long battle between two rosters that appear similarly built and, in theory, capable of matching up almost position for position, making predictions increasingly difficult.
The Knicks factor: consistency, system, and home-court advantage
Among those seven straight wins mentioned earlier, 8 Knicks playoff victories have come by more than 10 points, and four of those were by margins of at least 29. The signs of dominance are clear.
The turning point came when coach Brown adjusted after falling behind 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks, turning Karl-Anthony Towns into an offensive hub. The move produced a player averaging 17 points, 10.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 48.3% from three in 28 minutes per game this postseason.
Everything starts from there, allowing Jalen Brunson to handle more finishing opportunities off the ball, while within the cutting and screening system Mikal Bridges has continued to thrive offensively, much like he did against the Philadelphia 76ers.
His defensive impact against James Harden and Donovan Mitchell will be crucial, while the Knicks can’t afford the offensive struggles that slowed them in the first round after a rough start against Atlanta in half-court situations.
The Knicks have also shown they can rely on a solid bench featuring players like Miles McBride, along with specialists such as Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, and potentially the extremely valuable Mitchell Robinson, who should provide a critical rebounding advantage throughout the series.
The health status of OG Anunoby will be another key factor for New York. Taking advantage of home court is imperative if they want to put pressure on their opponents, though Cleveland has already shown its ability to respond under pressure after surviving two seven-game series.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ game plan
The Cavaliers already experienced a difficult start against Detroit after falling behind by two games before turning everything around in Game 7. That decisive performance revealed the fire in the eyes of Mobley, Mitchell, and Allen.
That’s because the Cavs have often become their own worst enemy, showing obvious lapses against the Toronto Raptors before finally finding the necessary response against Detroit in the pivotal Game 5.
Coach Kenny Atkinson can rely on a supporting cast full of specialists: Max Strus, Keon Ellis, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schröder, and Dean Wade, players capable of contributing both defensively and from beyond the arc.
The former Miami Heat player will complete the starting lineup, opening the door to several offensive combinations. The key to the series will be maximizing possessions, with the need for a more efficient and less wasteful Harden.
It’s clear New York holds an advantage on the glass, even if Cleveland can counter with twin bigs. The overall structure, however, appears less deep around Allen and Mobley.
Against defenders like Bridges, Josh Hart, and McBride, winning the possession battle will be difficult. The Cavs will need to limit turnovers and generate efficient three-point opportunities.
The goal will be neutralizing the possession deficit through better offensive execution and consistently involving the Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll, with James Harden playing a critical role in managing two-man actions.
Prediction
Even though both teams are deep and led by coaches capable of making adjustments, the Knicks have looked more consistent throughout this postseason.
The Cavaliers’ ceiling is as high as the talent on their roster, but they need greater mental consistency and aggressiveness if they want to steal one of the first two games at the Garden.
A very difficult task – to the point where the most realistic prediction remains a Knicks series win in five, at most six games.