Game 3 Lookahead: Cavs vs Knicks

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With game three of the Cleveland Cavilers and New York Knicks series on Friday Night, the winner of the next game will seek to take momentum of the series. After a game one victory from the Knicks it seems like they just outmatched the Cavs. The game two, 107-90 blowout win by Cavs put that notion to bed as they would cruise to a victory.

The game plan changed for the Cavs entering game two and that was to double Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. The effect that Brunson had on game one didn’t translate to game two, hurting the Knicks chances in even staying competitive in that game. It was predicted that this series would be a physical sloppy series and that is what exactly it has been.

For the Cavs the difference in offense between game one and two is players like guard Darius Garland stepping up. Donovan Mitchell alone showed in game one that it’s going to take more offense effort from others to take victories. Can the all-star Garland still be able to keep this production? Game three at Madison Square Garden will be a hostile place so Mitchell teammates will need to step up.

For the Knicks all scrutiny from both games go on forward RJ Barrett. His play throughout the season has been a major topic of discussion by Knicks fans. It seems that Barretts play has plateaued or regressed this season and fans have taken notice, especially after the four-year, $107 million contract extension he signed this offseason. Julius Randle who came off an ankle injury before the series took a hard hit at the end of game two. He will need Barrett to play better if they want a chance as Randle and Brunson continue to take physical beatings, it’s up to Barrett to up his game.

Game three is a pivotal one in the series. The Knicks took game one and home court from the Cavs. Now with the Knicks faithful as supports the Knicks look to defend home court before heading back to Cleveland.