By Andrew Rosario
JB Looks For More Playoff Magic
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Towns Will Battle Cavs Allen
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
When the #3 seed New York Knicks hosted the #4 Cleveland Cavaliers in game #1 of the Eastern Conference Finals it was their first game since sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers May 10th. The organization is looking to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 when the lost in 5 games to the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks last won the title 53 years ago. The Cleveland Cavaliers road to the ECF was tougher as they took out the #1 seed Detroit Piston in 7 games winning games 5 and 7 on the road. New York and Cleveland played 3 times during the regular season with the Knicks winning twice. The Cavs are back in the ECF for the first time since 2018.
The big question going into the series is which team will have the advantage. The team with rest or the team that is hoping carry over momentum from the previous series. The Knicks had to play games 3 and 4 without forward OG Anunoby who strained his right hamstring. OG was a big reason the team took out the Atlanta Hawks after they fell behind 2 games to 1. He played well in the first 2 games of the second round and there was no rush in getting him back in the line-up. Back-up center Mitchell was dealing with a creaky ankle sprain but is expected continue to be a force offensively and defensively.
Which Beard Will Show For Cleveland
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
The Orange and Blue will have to contend with both Cavaliers guards Donovan Mitchell and James (The Beard) Harden who was acquired back in February. Harden struggled in the first 4 games against the Pistons but was big reason the team was able to advance to the ECF. Cleveland last won the Larry O’ Brien trophy in 2016. The LeBron James led team trailed 3 games to 1 to the Golden State Warriors on to rally winning the last 3 games in a row.
Mitchell Can Give New York Problems
Photo: Special to the New York Beacon
The New York Beacon believes the New York Knicks have a better bench than the Cleveland Cavaliers and predicts New York will win the series in 5 games. They will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second straight MVP award) and the San Antonio Spurs. Behind Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama (41 points, 24 rebounds) the Spurs came away with the game 1 win 122-115 in double overtime. Game 2 took place Wednesday night in Oklahoma.
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