Three Reasons Why The Cavs Will Tie Up Series Against Knicks In Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to tie up the round one series of the

The Cleveland Cavaliers did not come out the way would have liked to in the series opener against the New York Knicks. The Cavs were outperformed on the glass and New York's bench came up clutch amid the Knicks' foul trouble and willed them to a victory.

That's why it's a seven-game series. There are still many more games to be played and the Cavs have a chance to tie it at one game apiece on Tuesday night.

These are three reasons Cleveland will beat the Knicks in Game 2:

Playoff Jitters Out Of The Way

The Cavs talked all season about not having experience playing together in big moments and in the playoffs. Well, now they have a taste of what postseason environment, intensity, and physicality is all about and will be ready for game two.

After the Game 1 loss, J.B. Bickerstaff said that this was a "wake-up call" for them and Darius Garland said they need to "hit first." Cleveland's change of mindset and getting their first game out of the way could lead to a victory for the team in Game 2.

Many Missed Opportunities Despite Close Finish

Cleveland missed many opportunities in Game 1 leaving six points on the line and not converting on open shots. If the Cavs can get some more and not leave easy points on the board then the outcome could be much different in Game 2.

They also shot an abysmal 10-for-31 from behind the arc. This poor shooting display is uncharacteristic for Cleveland and there due to bounce back in Game 2. Now they have to go out and prove these were just mishaps and not a larger trend. 

Tighter Lineup

J.B. Bickerstaff tried a number of different lineups in Game 1 in order to combat New York's height. This included Dean Wade, Ricky Rubio, and Cedi Osman seeing a significant amount of playing time.

This gave Bickerstaff a good idea of who he could go to, such as Osman, and he'll waste no time going to them when he needs to in Game 2. 

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