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3 Surefire events, 2 surprises that might happen in Cavs-Knicks series

By Caleb Crowley

Mar 31, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Danny Green, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

Surefire event No. 2: LOTS of pick-and-rolls

They say that Rock and Roll never dies, and in the NBA, neither do pick-and-roll actions. Per Synergy Sports, Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson scored the fifth and seventh-most pick-and-roll points throughout the regular season, respectively. Darius Garland finished 11th, and Evan Mobley had the seventh-most points as the pick-and-roll roll man, according to Synergy.

It’s fair to speculate, then, that fans will suffer no shortage of PnR play calling in these games. While both teams are happy to run Iso plays and make the extra pass to an open shooter, the tried and true methods that secured them their playoff appearance will not be forgotten.

Surprise No. 2: Danny Green Takeover

The aforementioned lack of postseason experience is not relevant to Cleveland’s three-time NBA champion Danny Green. Green has not been a non-factor in his endeavors, either; he has solidified himself as a critical role player for contending rosters.

In a league where 3-and-D wings are coveted beyond imagination, making the most of those players can determine how high a team’s ceiling reaches. New York’s trade deadline acquisition of Josh Hart gave them a steady three-point threat, while the Cavaliers continued to struggle to find the same all year.

Coming off of a season-ending injury, Danny Green only played in 22 games this year, eight of which have been with the Cavaliers. While he has not had a lot of run time thus far, Green’s longtime experience may spark once the pressure is on. If the Cavs need extra support from the bench for whatever reason, Danny Green might just be that guy.