The New York Knicks dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling NBA playoff matchup at Madison Square Garden, taking the series lead and moving closer to the next stage of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Jalen Brunson was the star of the Knicks vs Cavaliers game, scoring a team-high 21 points and showcasing his all-around skills.
Brunson, 26, had a stellar performance, adding six assists, four rebounds, and two steals to his stat line. He shot an impressive 10-for-18 from the field, although he missed all four attempts from beyond the arc. His scoring and playmaking abilities were crucial in the Knicks’ victory, as he led the team in a defensive showdown that saw them outscore the Cavaliers by a significant margin in the second quarter and build a lead of up to 30 points.
RJ Barrett, the 22-year-old Knicks forward, also had a standout performance, breaking out of his shooting slump and contributing 19 points to the team’s victory. Barrett’s defense was also noteworthy, as he helped hold Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers to 22 points. However, Jalen Brunson‘s performance definitely was the highlight of the day.
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Darius Garland struggled throughout Knicks vs Cavaliers NBA Playoff game
On the other hand, Darius Garland of the Cavaliers struggled with his shooting, going 4-for-21 from the floor and finishing with just 10 points. Despite his impressive performance in the previous game, Garland could not find his rhythm against the tough defense of the Knicks. The Eastern Conference duel has been leaning in favor of the Knicks, with four wins in the last five games against the Cavaliers including regular season matchups.
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In addition to Brunson and Barrett, Josh Hart also had a significant impact on the game, contributing 13 points for the Knicks. Notably, the Knicks became the first team this year, both in the regular season and playoffs, to hold their opponents to less than 80 points, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Looking ahead, Julius Randle, who struggled with his shooting in this game, will be looking to bounce back in Game 4. Randle went 3-for-15 from the floor and 2-for-10 from beyond the arc, but his leadership and scoring ability will be crucial for the Knicks’ success in the remainder of the series.
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Game 4 of Knicks vs Cavaliers is scheduled for Sunday at 10 PM PT at Madison Square Garden. Fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling matchup between these two talented teams. With Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks are aiming to maintain their series lead and advance in the playoffs with their sights set on a deeper run.
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