The Knicks Win Game 1 Against The Cavs

(CTN News) – The New York Knicks beat Cleveland 101-97 on Saturday night in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs by shaking off foul trouble and scoring 21 of their 27 points in the second half. Julius Randle returned from an ankle injury to score 19 points for the Knicks.

Despite being limited to nine minutes in the first half, Brunson hit several crucial shots down the stretch as the Knicks held off Cleveland’s late rally.

After spraining his left ankle two weeks ago, Randle was questionable about his health until pregame warmups began. When the No. 5-seeded New York Knicks fell behind 93-92 with 2:12 remaining, the All-Star forward was in his element.

With Mitchell making plays all over the court, the Cavaliers were within 99-97 in the final seconds when Brunson missed a pull-up, but Randle grabbed his 10th rebound and passed to Quentin Grimes, who was fouled in the final seconds.

Despite a raucous, towel-waving Cleveland crowd that came alive in the fourth quarter as Mitchell scored 14 points to bring the Cavs back into the game, Grimes made both free throws as the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers.

This is the first time the Cavaliers have reached the playoff stage since the 2018 NBA Finals after Mitchell finished with 38 points for the team. This has been a long road back for Cleveland, a team which did not suffer as much from its lack of bench production as it did from its inexperience.

Josh Hart added 17 points and hit a big 3-pointer down the stretch for New York, whose reserves outscored the Cavaliers 37-14.

Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

The second game will take place at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Tuesday.

During the final five games of the season, Randle injured his ankle and threatened New York’s playoff hopes. In spite of the fact that he did not take much contact during practice, he improved this week and looked like himself.

Tom Thibodeau was forced to replace Brunson, who scored a career-high 48 points against the Cavaliers on March 31 – Randle’s first absence. Brunson picked up his second foul with 7:52 remaining in the first quarter.

Despite Brunson’s absence, the Cavaliers failed to capitalize on it as New York scored 10 consecutive points and led 30-24 after one quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, Brunson was back on the bench with his third foul. Cleveland failed to capitalize on this opportunity and the Knicks led 50-45 at the half.

This is a frightening moment

As Mitchell attempted to save a loose ball in the second quarter, he vaulted off a courtside table, landing several rows into the stands.

He winced in pain as he was helped up and returned to the ground. During a subsequent timeout, Mitchell thanked fans who cushioned his fall.

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