New York validated its ticket for the Eastern Conference semi-finals, winning (106-95) in Cleveland the fifth game of the series against the Cavaliers, Wednesday in the NBA play-offs. It had been ten years since the Knicks had reached this stage of the final stages.
Their next opponent will be Miami. In the meantime, the Knicks have still made a strong impression on the collective level, at the Cavs without response and overwhelmed with combativeness. Illustration of New York’s desires, the pivot Mitchell Robinson alone captured no less than 11 offensive rebounds (18 in total, 13 pts, 3 blocks).
New York also raced in the lead throughout the match, led in scoring by Jalen Brunson (23 pts) and RJ Barrett (21 pts), and their lead peaked at 18 units in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell was the only surge on the Cleveland side with 28 points scored.
The only downside in New York: the premature exit of Julius Randle (13 pts), just before the break. The winger again injured his left ankle, which had been sprained just before the play-offs. But even without him, the Knicks have mastered the proceedings. His return in full possession of his means will nevertheless be essential for the future.
