York nativePlaying the second game of a back-to-back, the Knicks were defeated by the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 142-105 on Friday night.
Here are some takeaways…
– OG Anunoby made his highly-anticipated return to the Knicks’ lineup after missing three weeks with a foot injury, but they still weren’t back at full strength as Josh Hart was sidelined for the second straight game with a knee issue and Mitchell Robinson remained out.
– Even with one of their top defenders back, the Knicks struggled slowing down the high-powered Cavs offense. Cleveland shot a whopping 73 percent in the opening quarter to take a double-digit advantage. Jalen Brunson picked up two early fouls, but he was doing everything he could to keep the Knicks in it — leading the way with 16 points.
– Things didn’t get much prettier in the second, as the Cavs went on a stretch of hitting eight consecutive field goals to open the quarter. One-time Knicks trade target Donovan Mitchell picked up 17 of his 24 first-half points in the second frame to help them push the lead up to 27 heading into the break.
– Karl-Anthony Towns was able to get going during the second, but New York didn’t receive much else scoring-wise with Brunson glued to the bench after picking up his third foul. That dynamic duo combined for 37 of the Knicks’ 50 points in the half as they received just four points from their bench — while Cleveland’s contributed 24.
– Mikal Bridges and Precious Achiuwa found their stroke during the third, but it ultimately didn’t make much of a difference, as the Knicks simply couldn’t get the stop they desperately needed, and they found themselves trailing by 25-plus points for the majority of the frame.
– Both coaches, thankfully, decided to empty their benches for the entire fourth quarter. Delon Wright saw the floor for just the third time since being acquired at the trade deadline from the Bucks and rookie Pacome Dadiet finished with five points in his first action since Jan. 17.
– Mitchell led all scorers with 27 points, Evan Mobley missed just two field goals to finish with 21 points while reeling in eight rebounds, and D’Andre Hunter and New York-native Ty Jerome contributed a combined 35 points off the bench.
– Anunoby played 27 minutes in his return but had just five points, Brunson led the team with 26 points, Towns finished with 23, and Achiuwa reeled in 10 boards.
Game MVP: Donovan Mitchell
The Cavs’ offense was on fire all night, and Spida simply couldn’t miss, as he led the way with 27 points.
Upcoming schedule
The Knicks have another tough test when they take on the second-place Celtics on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
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