The Knicks‘ usage of Karl-Anthony Towns as a point center in the seven games leading up to Tuesday’s game vs. Cleveland resulted in a 130.5 offensive rating, but the plan hit a snag in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post. The Cavaliers‘ talented frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen did a better job of neutralizing Towns, who scored just 13 points on 14 shots and had five assists, his lowest single-game total since head coach Mike Brown tweaked the Knicks’ offensive game plan.
“We do feel like we have the personnel to bother him. We’ve got multiple guys who can put pressure on him,” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We’ve gotta be really good with our off-ball defense. They’ve definitely shifted schematically like everybody knows. It’s been … it’s high level so it’s going to be a big part of the series.”
Ultimately though, slowing down Towns wasn’t enough for the Cavaliers to pull off the Game 1 upset and take the lead in the series, as Jalen Brunson led a historic fourth-quarter comeback that resulted in an overtime win. According to the NBA (Twitter link), New York’s 22-point comeback in the fourth quarter was the largest in a conference final game since 1997 and the second-largest in any playoff game during that same span. That outcome left Towns satisfied after the game despite his modest showing.
“I think the Knicks found a way to win tonight, and that’s all that matters,” he said, per Braziller. “It’s not about the individual performances, it’s about this team finding a way to put up a win on the board. I think that’s what’s special.”
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- Knicks forward OG Anunoby acknowledged he had some rust to shake off in his first game back following a hamstring injury, but he finished the game strong, as Howie Kussoy writes for The New York Post. After recording four points and two rebounds in his first 29 minutes of action during regulation, Anunoby helped the Knicks seal the victory with nine points and three boards in overtime. “I felt good,” Anunoby said. “Just continue to play hard, shoot shots and be aggressive. … I don’t think it was hesitancy [early]. Just as the game went on I felt more and more like myself.”
- Even with Anunoby back, Landry Shamet ended up playing a key role for the Knicks, logging 14 of his 17 minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime and making a trio of crucial three-pointers, including one that tied the game during the final minute of regulation, writes Braziller of The New York Post. “He played big time. That’s just who he is. He’s a true professional, ever since he walked into the league,” Brunson said of the minimum-salary vet. “He’s up to any task you put in front of him. He’s been that player, he’s been that player for us. We have utmost faith in him.”
- Knicks center Mitchell Robinson had some success against Cleveland in the first half of Game 1, but he was played off the floor in the second half when the Cavaliers began intentionally fouling him, notes Jared Schwartz of The New York Post. Robinson went 2-of-8 from the free throw line and the Knicks were outscored by seven points during his four minutes on the court in the third quarter. “Mitch has been great for us the last few games in that situation,” Brown said. “We’re gonna continue to give him a chance. We’ll move him around and do some different things with him. Mitch can impact the game in different ways, so we need him on the floor.”
- Knicks owner James Dolan and Madison Square Garden Sports have taken the next step toward splitting the Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers into separate entities. Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico has the details.
NYK need more Mitch, more often; including together with KAT. CLE’s tandum of bigs match up well with the new KAT (pretty well with the old one too). Together, they can guard him on the perimeter and still protect the rim. The guy they can’t handle is Mitch. Very little downside to playing 2 bigs against CLE, since neither of their bigs is tough perimeter matchup on the other end.
Mixed feelings on last night. Before the comeback, the NYK looked to be settling back in to their version of selective effort mode (where they have spent most of the season). The team does have something of an “it” factor, but when it becomes just another thing they take for granted, it’s a mixed blessing. We’ll see how last night (the good, the bad and the ugly) affects their perspective and play going forward.
Shamet may or may not be an odd man. But, last night at least, he certainly wasn’t the odd man out. He was 3-3 from 3 pt range (the one that started the rally with 7 min left in the 4th, the one that tied the game at the end of the 4th, and the one that put us up by 7 in overtime), along with great defense. I don’t want to get into off season priorities at this time, except to say (again) that this guy is a keeper.
It’s pathetic that no one has trained Robinson to learn how to shoot free throws.
It’s obvious that he has spent no meaningful time on what it takes to make even half of his ftas – his shot is so flat that it barely clears the front of the rim, and if it does it bangs off the back of the rim.
It shouldn’t take more than a week to get him to put an arch on the ball so that it’s heading down when it hits the rim.
Training only works if the one being trained is the primary participant in the process. I love Mitch, but nobody (certainly no coach) is repsonsible for his pathetic FT shooting other than him.
NBA players, like others, are responsible for their own development. Unlike most others, they have virtually unlimited resources at their disposal, on demand, to develop any element of their game, and many millions of incentive to effect that development. They know this, as they are reminded of it constantly. If they ain’t working on a deficiency, it’s not just that they don’t want to, it’s that they refuse to.
Big men and poor FT shooting have a long history together. None of the reasonable explanations excuse some of the pathetic results. Then again, Mitch is no worse than Wilt and Shaq.
“I love Mitch, but nobody (certainly no coach) is repsonsible for his pathetic FT shooting other than him.”
Exactly how I feel. I am begging him to shoot underhand. It couldn’t possibly be worse than he is now. Swallow your pride and spend those hours perfecting the granny shot.
The fact is that for his career, he IS worse than Wilt and Shaq.
The east is so awful and needs to be reformed so the best four teams don’t meet in the conference semifinals and the 5-8th best, and that being generous send one to the Finals to get swept.
— NYK2026 — 🏀ING
So the Knicks continue on their historic run. Making more history against Cavs in gm1. Don’t understand why Brown won’t play Diawara or Sochan. Why push OG back. He’s not even in game shape. Shouldn’t be playing more than 26 mins for a few games. Have to trust your bench.
Captain Clutch is just unbelievable man. The guy is just money. He tore Harden up at end of game. Mitchell should have stepped up and taken on Brunson. Harden is a tough matchup for Knicks. But Brunson just owns Harden. Cavs have to adjust here. As good as Knicks were. They were also fortunate. Towns has to play smart. And backup Brunson all the way. Can’t be just one guy. With OG still working his way back. Bridges, Towns and everyone else has to contribute. Let’s go Knicks. NYK2026 🏀ING
Mitch is a career 51% FT shooter. And he’s shot 68% his best yr. It’s unfortunate but it seems he doesn’t stick to his improvements. Something you have to work on all the time. And really Knicks should force him to do it. No reason why he can’t be at 70%. It is sad really. I’m tired of him. I hope he walks this year.
How many FT attempts in the 68% season?
Good question lol …. 17 games, 13/19 FTs, 2024-25
Had to look it up. Malone was a badFT shooter when he came in. He worked his way into a career 75%
Lmao 👍
Let’s get this done Go Knicks!!! This is the year before Duece, Mitch, Shamet and more possibly because of the second apron restrictions. Shamet definitely not coming back for the minimum only. Duece and Mitch heading for a HUGE payday
We need to draft a center
They stepped up the defense when the comeback began. They need to continue that and rotate fresh legs to wear out the Cavs stars. Make them work. The defense has been incredible when applied. Rotate those guards. Make Harden and Mitchell run all game when on the floor. End of the game let Brunson do his thing.
Don’t like OG playing over 30 mins man. Why not play Sochan n Diawara. Play as a team and good things will happen…. NYK2026 🏀ING