Knicks at Cavaliers, Game 2: Halftime Thoughts From Cleveland

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers engaged in a gritty, slow, yet somehow intense 24 minutes in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series.

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Party like it's 1994 ... the New York Knicks' lack of NBA playoff advantage notwithstanding, that is.

The Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers engaged in a throwback battle of defense and physicality, uniting for 21 fouls in Game 2 of their opening round series in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Cleveland has broken through to the tune of 26 points for Darius Garland, whose game-best tally has guided the hosts to a 59-39 halftime lead.

What have been the deciding factors thus far? 

Shooting Most Foul

It's not like Saturday's win was any form of offensive masterpiece, but the Knicks and Cavs have engaged in a sloppy, physical, defensive battle that would make the pixels of "NBA Jam" blush ... minus the gravity-defying dunks and players literally on fire, of course. The Cavs' defense, owners of the top rating in the NBA this season, has stifled any form of New York ball movement, the Knicks limited to six assists (all earned by Jalen Brunson or Quentin Grimes) over the first 24. New York's field goal output () is dangerously close to their brutal turnover tally (14)

Gar! 

Those who still crave the high-scoring antics of the NBA that would make teams of the old Arena Football League blush are certainly keeping an eye on Garland. Another high-octane, highly-touted playoff virgin, Garland's respectable Game 1 effort (17 points on 7-of-13 from the field) was more or less overshadowed by Donovan Mitchell mastery, but he's done damage all over the floor on Tuesday night. Garland is X-of-X from deep to account for most of his scoring from the field and has visited the foul line on 11 occasions, sinking all but one.

Cavs Rebound in Rebounds

The Knicks' rebounding advantage was well publicized in Saturday's win, but Cleveland's gritty workers have recovered and forced New York into a physical battle. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen continue to be as advertised (11 rebounds combined) while Cedi Osman has added four more off the bench. Osman is part of an improved effort for Cleveland's reserves: they were outscored 37-14 on Saturday but Caris LeVert alone (11) is outscoring the Knicks' relievers at seven total.  

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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