Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Game 4: Halftime Thoughts From MSG

The New York Knicks are on their way to a potentially commanding series lead thanks a relative offensive explosion in Game 4 of their NBA Playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Those betting the over in the NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers might finally be destined to cash out.

A relative offensive explosion has turned in favor of the Knicks, as 16 points from Jalen Brunson leads the way in a 54-45 advantage for the Madison Square Garden hosts in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. New York is seeking a commanding 3-1 series lead and a sweep of this weekend's couple in Manhattan.

What can we gather from the first half?

Handle for Randle

If you told Knicks fans that Julius Randle would have only two points in Game 4 of a best-of-seven, how many would believe that their team would hold a double-figure lead in the contest in question?

All season long, Randle's resurgent season and return to All-Star form has made up for relative shortcomings in other areas of the Knicks' roster, primarily RJ Barrett's roller-coaster season. With Randle struggling in this series (potentially still hobbled by the ankle injury that cost him the final five games of the regular season), his teammates are returning the favor. 

Though Randle has struggled to rediscover his form (0-of-3 from deep and only one rebound in the early going), others have stepped up in his place. Little more needs to be said about Brunson's prowess but Barrett carried over his positive momentum from Game 3 to put up 12 points and a block. 

Here Comes McBride

With Quentin Grimes a late scratch, the Knicks preserved their famed nine-man rotation by putting Miles McBride back in. The sophomore has rewarded that faith by showcasing his trademark defense and a triple that was part of a quick spurt of triples alongside fellow reserve Obi Topping that gave the Knicks their first double-figure lead of the afternoon.

McBride isn't the only one on the Knicks' bench making an impact: Toppin has hauled in three offensive boards (part of a total of 11 with Mitchell Robinson leading the way with five) while Isaiah Hartenstein has four total. New York currently holds a 27-19 advantage on the glass, the plus-eight margin made up purely through offensive means (11-3). 

Have a Hart!

It comes with the unexpected price of bidding farewell to Grimes, at least temporarily, but Knicks fans who have begged to see Josh Hart thrust into the starting five were vindicated and then some. The promotion has done nothing to curb Hart's production, as he has tallied 11 points, three rebounds, and two steals over the first 24. Hart has gotten very involved in the Knicks' defensive game, helping charge the Cavaliers with nine turnovers (five alone coming from the arms of the lauded, discussed Donovan Mitchell).

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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