Tantalizing clash in the East between Knicks and the Riders at Madison Square Garden. A poster which leans in favor of the Cavs (110-104), carried by their quartet Darius Garland (34 points) – Donovan Mitchell (25 points) – Evan Mobley (17 points, 8 rebounds) – Jarrett Allen (15 points, 15 rebounds), and who therefore successfully passed their first test of the season at new York. Enough to allow Cleveland to remain undefeated after four matches, despite Jalen Brunson (21 points, 7 assists) and others.
If the Cavaliers enter their match well with their back duo Garland/Mitchell (22-18), it is nevertheless the Knicks who are gradually gaining the upper hand with a 21-7 in the second quarter. By relying to do this on the incessant activity of Josh Hart on the offensive rebound, coupled with the aggressiveness in defense and towards the circle of Jalen Brunson or Mikal Bridges (52-45).
After the break, Cleveland remains at a distance and finds itself at -13, because Mikal Bridges continues to hurt, but the gap is reduced to 13-2, by dint of insisting and going inside, with the Garland/Mobley pair (78-74).
It was then that Donovan Mitchell and especially Darius Garland took over the game to put their team in front and, despite Jalen Brunson struggling after a knee scare, the Cavs held on and Darius Garland, also valuable in defense, takes care of the affair with Donovan Mitchell on free throws (110-104).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Darius Garland continues his rise to power. After 7, 13 then 23 points, Darius Garland planted 34 and he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. Well helped by his friend backcourtDonovan Mitchell, the leader came out of his box at the right time, as proven by his three 3-point baskets in the last act. Without forgetting his good defense on Jalen Brunson, limited to 8/24 and less sharp than usual. A welcome performance to help the Cavaliers remain undefeated and pass their first test of the season.
– Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns not at their best. Limited to 8/24 on the shoot therefore, Jalen Brunson especially scared himself in the third quarter, when he hurt his ankle while landing poorly after a shot. Not the best evening for the leader, who could not count on an inspired Karl-Anthony Towns either, because he was limited to 13 points (at 4/8) but above all excluded for six faults. Clearly, the Knicks' major duo was not there as hoped, even if soldiers Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Miles McBride did their best to compensate.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
