The Cavaliers did everything they said they would following a loss in Game 1.
In Game 1, Cleveland was outrebounded 51-38. In the second half, that disparity was abysmal -- 27-15. They gave up 17 offensive rebounds that amounted to 23 points for New York. It was the story of the game, somethingThe Knicks also took advantage of 14 Cleveland turnovers in that game, leading to 26 points. The Knicks turned the ball over 16 times themselves, but the Cavs managed only 10 points off of those extra opportunities.
On Tuesday, it was a role reversal. Cleveland limited the Knicks on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 43-36 and allowing 13 offensive rebounds that led to only 13 New York points. The Cavs played great defense on New York’s first shot attempts, putting the pressure on in the full-court, particularly against Jalen Brunson. They stayed in position and limited looks inside compared to Game 1, a big issue that led to the disparity.
With the defensive discipline and pressure in Game 2, it was easier for Cleveland’s bigs to box out -- and just the eye test showed there was more of a concerted effort for the guards to do so as well. Darius Garland in particular, to go along with his 32 points on 8 of 17 shooting, wasn’t afraid to get in the thick of it in the paint, finding bodies.
The extra focus on positioning also led to more turnovers, and more production off of those turnovers. The Knicks coughed the ball up 18 times, with Cleveland getting 32 points off of those turnovers. A month or so ago, Bickerstaff talked about the Cavs ability to excel at this particular aspect, how it was part of their ability to “This was certainly different, and for the better, when compared to Saturday. The Cavs got their first taste of playoff pace and physicality -- and while they lost the first matchup, they didn’t get too much in their heads. The moment wasn’t too big. Panic never set in.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Game 2: Dylan Windler sole player on Cavs injury report; Knicks list Josh Hart as doubtfulThe Cavs are set to take on the Knicks for Game 2 on Tuesday and are heading into it relatively healthy with just one player listed on Monday's injury report.
Read more »
Knicks guard Josh Hart is doubtful for Game 2: What it could mean for the CavsThere is a chance the Knicks will be without a centerpiece of their bench tonight for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Cavs.
Read more »
Can the Cavs rebound - literally and figuratively - in Game 2 against the Knicks?The Cavs got completely overpowered on the boards by the Knicks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. What can they do to fix it?
Read more »
Knicks hammered in Game 2 as Cavaliers even series at game apieceAs they promised, the Cavaliers punched back in Game 2 and the Knicks didn’t have any answers.
Read more »