Knicks’ Game – New York leaned hard on Karl-Anthony Towns as a point-center in the run-up to its Eastern Conference Finals opener versus Cleveland, but the Cavaliers’ frontcourt—led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen—held him to 13 points. The night still flipped on a historic
The Knicks walked into Game 1 looking for something specific: a point-center offense built around Karl-Anthony Towns.
In the seven games leading up to Tuesday’s game vs. Cleveland, that approach produced a 130.5 offensive rating. But in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, the plan hit a snag almost immediately. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen did more than slow Towns—they neutralized him enough that the Knicks couldn’t rely on his usual creation. Towns finished with 13 points on 14 shots and five assists. the lowest single-game total since head coach Mike Brown tweaked the Knicks’ offensive game plan.
Cleveland clearly believed it had the personnel to bother him. “We do feel like we have the personnel to bother him. We’ve got multiple guys who can put pressure on him,” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We’ve gotta be really good with our off-ball defense. They’ve definitely shifted schematically like everybody knows. It’s been … it’s high level so it’s going to be a big part of the series.”.
Still, keeping Towns quiet wasn’t enough for the Cavaliers to take control of the opener. Jalen Brunson led a historic fourth-quarter comeback that sent the game to overtime and ended with an overtime win for New York. The Knicks’ 22-point fourth-quarter comeback was the largest in a conference final game since 1997 and the second-largest in any playoff game during that same span. per the NBA (Twitter link).
Towns’ stat line didn’t match the plan’s earlier success, but the result did. After the game, he sounded satisfied with the outcome. “I think the Knicks found a way to win tonight. and that’s all that matters. ” he said. per Zach Braziller. “It’s not about the individual performances. it’s about this team finding a way to put up a win on the board. I think that’s what’s special.”.
The Knicks also got a steady second gear from OG Anunoby. who acknowledged he had rust to shake off in his first game back following a hamstring injury. Howie Kussoy writes that Anunoby recorded four points and two rebounds in his first 29 minutes during regulation. then finished strong with nine points and three boards in overtime as New York sealed the victory.
“I felt good,” Anunoby said. “Just continue to play hard, shoot shots and be aggressive. … I don’t think it was hesitancy [early]. Just as the game went on I felt more and more like myself.”
Even as Towns had his tougher night, Landry Shamet delivered when the game tightened. Shamet played 14 of his 17 minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime. making a trio of crucial three-pointers. including one that tied the game during the final minute of regulation. according to Zach Braziller. Brunson singled him out afterward, calling the veteran’s presence a constant.
“He played big time. That’s just who he is. He’s a true professional, ever since he walked into the league,” Brunson said of the minimum-salary vet. “He’s up to any task you put in front of him. He’s been that player, he’s been that player for us. We have utmost faith in him.”
Mitchell Robinson’s night carried its own friction. He had some success against Cleveland in the first half of Game 1. but the Cavaliers intentionally fouled him after halftime. Jared Schwartz writes. Robinson went 2-of-8 from the free throw line. and the Knicks were outscored by seven points during his four minutes on the court in the third quarter.
Brown didn’t sound ready to abandon the matchup. “Mitch has been great for us the last few games in that situation,” Brown said. “We’re gonna continue to give him a chance. We’ll move him around and do some different things with him. Mitch can impact the game in different ways, so we need him on the floor.”.
While the basketball storyline was unfolding on the court, the business side of the franchise moved too. Knicks owner James Dolan and Madison Square Garden Sports have taken the next step toward splitting the Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers into separate entities. according to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico. who has the details.
Knicks Cavaliers Karl-Anthony Towns Jalen Brunson OG Anunoby Landry Shamet Mitchell Robinson Mike Brown Kenny Atkinson Eastern Conference Finals