The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals, setting up a matchup many anticipated. Both teams overcame challenges to arrive at this point.
Knicks’ Dominant Playoff Run
The Knicks have dominated their opponents, securing seven of their eight playoff wins by double-figures. Four of those wins came by 29 points or more. The Knicks clinched against the Sixers in Game 4, winning their franchise record 7th straight postseason game.
The Knicks have been outscoring the Hawks and Sixers by an average of 19.4 points per game. This is the best differential for any team through two rounds in the 43 years of a 16-team playoff format.
It’s a great time for the Knicks to be playing their best basketball of the season.
Cavaliers’ Bumpy Road to the Finals
The Cavaliers have had a much bumpier path to the Eastern Conference Finals. They needed seven games to eliminate both the Toronto Raptors and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. The Cavaliers defeat the Pistons, 125-94, in Game 7 to win the series 4-3. The Cavs advance to face the Knicks.
Regular Season Meetings
The Knicks won two of the three regular-season meetings. However, the Cavs won the one (Feb. 24) after they acquired James Harden. That was arguably the best game they’ve played with Harden until Game 7 in Detroit on Sunday.
Knicks’ Potential Offensive Challenges
Eight days off between games will have been beneficial in regard to the health of OG Anunoby, who suffered a strained hamstring in Game 2 of the conference semis. But the layoff may make it harder for the Knicks to rediscover their offensive rhythm. According to tracking data, they’ve overachieved in regard to their expected field goal percentage more than any other team in the playoffs, with Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns all in the top eight among players.
Both the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers targeted Towns and Jalen Brunson in the pick-and-roll. According to tracking data, they’ve been the screener’s defender.
- Knicks have won seven of eight playoff games by double digits.
- Cavaliers needed seven games to eliminate both the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons.
- Knicks won two of three regular season meetings.
Both teams began the season with high expectations, and both have put themselves in position to be the East’s fourth different representative in the Finals in the last four years. But there can only be one.