93-71. That was the score of the Knicks vs Cavs game with 8 minutes in the 4th quarter. The Cavs had a 22 point lead. So how did the Knicks come back and win by 11? Find out below…
Knicks Erase 22 Point Deficit to Win Game 1
What happened?
Last night the Knicks made playoff franchise history with a 22 point comeback to force OT in the 4th Quarter. The first quarter was bad from both teams but in the 2nd and 3rd quarter the Cavs seemingly put the game to bed. Donovan Mitchell was getting whatever he wanted in the paint and Evan Mobley was on fire. This was all while Dean Wade was locking up Brunson AND Karl Anthony Towns. KAT was poor today with only 13 points, the Knicks need to see more of him. Then with 7:38 in the 4th the Knicks clicked; 17 from Brunson in the 4th/OT showed why he is Mr. Clutch and the Cavs lead was slipping between their fingers. The Knicks went on a 30-8 run to force OT and targeted James Harden one on one almost every possesion. In OT the momentum did not shift with the Knicks winning by 11 to steal Game 1.
What does it mean?
Cleveland was up 22 and still lost. That emphazises the importance of rest in these playoffs. The Knicks swept 76ers and had no games for 9 days while the Cavs only had 2 games to recover from their 7 games series with the Pistons. The Cavs were the better team today but faltered down the stretch because they burned out. Knicks take Game 1 in the garden, but how important willl this turn out mentally and on the scoreboard?
What happened to KAT today?
Today KAT seriously underperformed with only 13 points in the team leading 40 minutes he played. I’ve been saying KAT is the key to Knicks success and this just shows that if he is off his game the Knicks can’t win without a franchise record breaking miracle. If the Knicks want to win this series KAT needs to show up more.
James Harden was a defensive liability down the stretch:
On the Knicks crazy run it seemed like every possesion the Knicks would get Brunson one on one with Harden and he would go get a bucket. This was the key to the Knicks success and Harden has to stand his ground defensively. To be fair to him he was fine in the first 3 quarters but if your a liability to your team in the 4th something needs to change.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Jalen Brunson had 38 points and 17 of them came in the 4th/OT on 51.7% efficiency.
Knicks went on a 44-11 run to end the 4th and in OT.
Donovan Mitchell had 26 points and 6 stelas on 52% efficiency and the Cavs still lost.
Kenny Atkinson (Cavs HC) only called 1 timeout on the Knicks run in the 4th. That is terrible coaching.
KAT had 7 turnovers. He needs to be better.
Daily Recap
NBA
Knicks 115 - Cavs 104 Highlights
MLB
Yankees 5 - Blue Jays 4 Highlights
Mets 6 - Nationals 9 Highlights
Dodgers 5 - Padres 4 Highlights
Yankees Season Recap
What’s working?
Ben Rice has been the suprise of the season. Batting .298 with 15 home runs and a 1.062 OPS. That’s elite production from a first baseman knowing was talking about in March. Judge has been good as always hitting home runs for fun and their pitching has been excellent good enough for second in ERA in the AL.
What’s not?
Austin Wells is hitting 1.73 with an OPS of .556 and Gerrit Cole is still on the injury list but he is pirching 99.7 mph in rehab starts which is encouraging.
The Verdict
Right now the Yankees are good but not favourites but with Gerrit Cole coming back from injury, they can be dangerous.
Tonight: OKC vs San Antonio Game 2 (0-1) 1:30am UK time
Preview
On Sunday Night in Game 1 the San Antonio Spurs stunned the OKC Thunder in their own building in Double OT. This was led by an eruption from the Frenchman Victor Wembanyama for 41 points and 24 rebounds. The 2 time MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander was limited ot just 24 points on 23 shots symbolizing the troubles the Thunder endured through the game.
What does the Thunder need to do to change the result?
The Thunder just need to stick with it. Even with a 41 point game from Wemby the Thunder still sent it to Double OT. The Spurs are smothering SGA which leaves one of their role players always open. In Game 1 it was Alex Caruso who kept them in it with 31 points but tonight it might be different. Whoever that role player is who will inevitably get good looks because of Shai’s gravity needs to hit their shots and last years champions should be fine. They also need to get more rebounds because last game they lost the rebound battle 61-40 and conceded 9 offensive rebounds for Wemby himself.
What do the Spurs need to do get another win?
Last game was the best case scenario of how they can play without De’Aaron Fox. Dylan Harper stepped up to make history with his 24 points 6 assists 11 rebounds and 7 steal explosion. He filled the shoes of D Fox perfectly and hopefully if he comes back the workload will be lifted from the Spurs guards shoulders. It is also worth noting Victor Wembanyama won’t go for 41 points every game but I’m sure with the return of D Fox the points will be spread out more evenly.