CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have shown many signs this season they're a different team than they were the previous two seasons. Cleveland has a chance to provide more evidence Wednesday night by clinching a regular-season series triumph against the New York Knicks, who eliminated the Cavs from the first round of the playoffs two years ago. The Cavs are 2-0 against the Knicks this season with two more matchups left Wednesday and April 11 at Madison Square Garden.
Tipoff for Cavs (60-15) versus Knicks (47-27) occurred at 7:13 p.m. Wednesday at Rocket Arena. Check back here throughout the game for updates. OG Anunoby is torching the Cavs and is nwo up to 19 points late in the second quarter. Anunoby used some shifty dribbling to create some space that led to a layup, and he then nailed a 3-pointer from the elbow. The Knicks lead the Cavs 58-45 with 3:05 left in the second quarter. The Knicks are still taking it to the Cavs. New York has opened the second quarter on a 12-5 run, extending the Cavs' deficit to 46-33 with 8:53 left in the second quarter. OG Anunoby and Josh Hart have already combined for 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the floor. Donovan Mitchell is just 2-for-6 from the floor, and Darius Garland is 2-for-5. The Cavs trailed the Knicks 34-28 at the end of the first quarter. Small forward Josh Hart lived up to his reputation as an eternal thorn in the Cavs' side by leading the Knicks with 10 points in the opening quarter on 4-of-7 shooting from the field (2 of 3 on 3-pointers). Guard Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavs with nine points in the first quarter. In the opening quarter, the Cavs lost the turnover battle 4-2, and the Knicks earned a 10-2 advantage in points off turnovers. Also in the first quarter, the Knicks went 14-of-20 shooting (70%) from the field, including 6 of 8 on 3-pointers (75%). The Cavs went 9-of-20 shooting (45%) from the floor (6 of 11 on 3s, 54.5%). Cavs wing De'Andre Hunter came off the bench with 6:42 left in the first quarter, when Cleveland trailed 18-10. He proceeded to make his first two 3-pointers, giving the Cavaliers a spark off the bench. During a timeout with 2:15 remaining in the first quarter, the Knicks led the Cavs 29-21. The Cavs trailed the Knicks 18-10 with 6:42 left in the first quarter. The Knicks started the game 7-of-10 shooting from the field (4 of 6 on 3-pointers). Wing OG Anunoby made his first two 3s. The Cavs weren't as hot out of the gate. They started 3-of-7 shooting from the field (2 of 4 on 3s). After Anunoby drained his second 3, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson called timeout with 6:42 remaining in the opening quarter.
What is the history of the Cleveland Cavs vs. NY Knicks series?
Since All-Star guards Mitchell and Jalen Brunson joined the Cavs and Knicks, respectively, during the 2022 offseason, the two teams have become Eastern Conference powers and rivals. Last season, the Cavs went 1-2 against the Knicks in the regular season. In the 2022-23 regular season, the Cavs went 1-3 against the Knicks. Then in the first round of the playoffs, the Cavs were overpowered and knocked out by the Knicks in a 4-1 series loss. This season, the Cavs prevailed in each of their first two meetings with the Knicks. Cleveland won 110-104 at New York on Oct. 28 and 142-105 at home on Feb. 21. See the difference? The Cavs entered Wednesday trailing their all-time series against the Knicks 107-121.
What is the Cavs' magic number for the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference?
The Cavs' magic number to clinch the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference is four (a combination of Cleveland wins and
Boston Celtics losses). The defending NBA champion Celtics (56-19) are in second place in the East and four games behind the Cavs. The Cavs added the Orlando Magic and Celtics to their list of recent playoff foes. Of course, the Knicks are the other team in the group. Last year, the Cavs beat the Magic 4-3 in Round 1 of the postseason before falling to the Celtics 4-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This season, the Cavs won their regular-season series with the Magic 2-1 and split with the Celtics 2-2.
Injury report for Cleveland Cavs
The Cavs initially listed forward Dean Wade (illness) as questionable to play, but they ruled him out about an hour before tipoff. They also ruled out point guard Ty Jerome (left knee tendinitis). Atkinson said during his pregame media availability he expects Jerome to return to action before the playoffs. Rookie wing Jaylon Tyson is no longer listed on the injury report, so he's expected to be available to play after missing time with a left knee bone bruise. Tyson sat out the past seven games.
The Knicks have ruled out Brunson (sprained right ankle). He's missed the past 13 games, but he has said
he hopes to return before the playoffs . The Knicks also ruled out centers Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery recovery) and Ariel Hukporti (left knee meniscus surgery) and guards Miles McBride (left groin contusion/strain) and Cameron Payne (sprained right ankle). They listed All-Star center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns (left knee soreness) as probable to play.
Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson honored as finalists for Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
On Wednesday, Mitchell and Brunson were named two of the 12 finalists for the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. The annual honor recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players and commitment and dedication to team. At times this season, Mitchell has intentionally taken a step back on the court to foster the development of teammates, especially All-Star forward Evan Mobley and All-Star point guard Darius Garland.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen honored as finalist for the 2024-25 NBA Sportsmanship Award
Cavs center Jarrett Allen was named one of six finalists Wednesday for the 2024-25 NBA Sportsmanship Award. The annual honor recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. NBA players will select the winner from the six finalists (one from each division in the league).
Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast information. How can I watch on TV, listen on radio or stream the Cavs vs Knicks game?
Wednesday's game will be televised nationally by ESPN and locally by
the FanDuel Sports Network . It can be heard on the radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100-AM).
