The Cavaliers need to do something they haven’t done in over 30 years if they want to advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs…
Latest news on Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Jalen Brunson
The Knicks are feeling great after their victory on Friday. NY will have another chance to win its first playoff series since 2013 when it hosts a game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
New York will look to improve upon its defensive showing from Friday. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavs’ excellent backcourt duo, combined for just 32 points on 13 of 40 shooting (32.5%).
The 79 points scored by Cleveland were the fewest scored by any NBA team this year.
There was no mistaking the fact that New York was hosting its first playoff game at home on Friday night. They are partly to blame for the shooting woes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the game-winning runs scored by the New York Knicks.
The Knicks’ regular season home record was 24-17, thus the fans’ enthusiasm was crucial in the playoffs against a Cleveland team that struggled on the road.
The New York offense, led by All-Star Julius Randle, isn’t out of the woods just yet. Randle shot 3 of 15 from the field and 2 of 10 from deep, missing many easy opportunities.
Not only was he the team’s leading scorer this year, but his other game features also varied from average to great.
RJ Barrett scored 10 of New York’s 17 points in the first quarter to keep the team afloat, and Jalen Brunson scored an explosive 14 points in the second quarter to seal the victory.
Jericho Sims (shoulder) will not be available for Game 4. Because of right shoulder pain. Quentin Grimes, meanwhile, is doubtful for the game due to a shoulder injury.
Despite the daunting task at hand, Cleveland is determined to see it through.
In the third game, Donovan Mitchell played 38 minutes and tallied 22 points (9-19 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
Even though the Cavaliers scored only 79 points on Friday, Mitchell still finished the game with the most.
Throughout the rest of the Cavaliers’ postseason run, Mitchell should continue to be one of the team’s primary offensive options. His series stats include a 25.7 ppg average and a 48.3% field goal percentage.
Evan Dammarell of FearTheSword.com reports that Dylan Windler’s foot injury will prevent him from playing Sunday against the Knicks in Game 4.
Windler will miss Game 4 with a left foot sprain that has kept him out of action since March 26.
There is no word on when he will be back, but he will have another chance to play on Wednesday.
Injury report Cavaliers:
- Quentin Grimes (Shoulder) – Questionable
- Jericho Sims (Shoulder) – Out
Injury report Knicks:
- Dylan Windler (Foot) – Out
