Player Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 126-94 last night.

Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) drives against New York Knicks shooting guard Justin Holiday (8) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The game tipped off with most of the eyes glancing between LeBron James and Phil Jackson after Jackson took his seat early in the first quarter. James was already on the warpath, even that early, as he ruthlessly attacked the rim.

Other eyes were on DeAndre Liggins, a new starter with J.R. Smith out for injury. Liggins, who had locked down Kyle Lowry in the Cavs’ matchup with the Toronto Raptors, was doing the same to Brandon Jennings. The defensive intensity he brought led the team to back to the level of dominance the team seemed to lose after the beginning of the season.

Here are King James Gospel’s player grades from the Cleveland Cavaliers 36-point thumping of the New York Knicks.