After a disappointing start to the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to respond in a significant way going into a must-win Game 2 on Tuesday night.
In their Game 1 loss, the Cavaliers were beaten up on the glass 51-38, and their bench was outscored 32-14 by the New York Knicks. While Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell had a masterful Game 1 performance, Darius Garland passed up a few open looks in the second half, and Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert struggled to score.
Cleveland had two days between Games 1 and 2 to shore up what went wrong on Saturday night.
Throughout the first quarter, both teams battled back and forth, but the Cavaliers outscored the Knicks by 17 points in the second quarter, which was a deficit New York could not overcome. From there they blew the game open to lead by as many as 29 points in the fourth quarter, and in the end won 107-90 to tie the series.
Let’s examine a few key takeaways from Cleveland’s emphatic Game 2 victory.
No. 1: Cavaliers defense and rebounding were improved from Game 1
I will preface this by saying the Cavaliers’ defense on Saturday night was not bad by any means. They were able to hold the Knicks to just 42 percent shooting and 27.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Cleveland’s defense also had nine steals in Game 1 and forced 16 total turnovers. However, the rebounding, especially down the stretch, was one of the glaring concerns entering Game 2.
The Cavaliers did an even better job on the defensive end last night, especially on Jalen Brunson, the top scorer for New York on Saturday.
Cleveland threw multiple defenders at Brunson all night and was physical with the Knicks’ point guard. Overall, Brunson shot just 5-of-17, including just 1-for-8 from three-point range. Eight of Brunson’s 20 points came in the first quarter, as the Cavaliers limited his effectiveness all night.
Julius Randle led all Knicks with 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting, but the Cavaliers hounded him all night on defense.
Cleveland held New York to just 36.7 percent shooting for the game, including 24 percent from beyond the arc. They also forced the Knicks into 18 turnovers and recorded 10 steals.
Cleveland’s defensive numbers would have been better if not for allowing 30 points on 50 percent shooting in the 4th quarter. Through three quarters, Cleveland held New York to just 60 points on 33 percent shooting.
As for the Cavaliers’ rebounding issue, they outrebounded the Knicks 43-36, led by Mobley with 13 and Jarrett Allen with 10 rebounds.
The actual problem in Game 1, when it came to rebounding, was no other Cavalier aside from their two big men stepped up. Last night Cedi Osman had six, while Danny Green and LeVert had four.
I expect Mobley and Allen to gather up the majority of Cleveland’s rebounds, but when the guards and forwards chip in, it helps the Cavaliers tremendously.
No. 2: Garland and LeVert were assertive on offense
As mentioned earlier, Mitchell was the only Cavalier who played up to their potential in Game 1. If the Cavaliers were going to avoid falling in an 0-2 hole, they would need the likes of Garland and LeVert to contribute.
Garland took that to heart, even mentioning in his postgame press conference his teammates were encouraging him to shoot more, and he admitted he passed up a few open looks in Game 1.
Last night Garland only attempted four more shots (17) than he did on Saturday night (13) but was far more effective.
In the first quarter alone, he was 2-3 from beyond the arc and got to the line six times. By halftime, Garland led all scorers with 26 points (4-for-6 from three), with 10 of those points coming from the foul line.
Garland finished with a game-high 32 points on 6-10 from three and also dished out seven assists.
As for LeVert, he had a forgettable Game 1. Last night head coach Bickerstaff decided to roll with LeVert after Isaac Okoro got into early foul trouble. In the first half, LeVert was the only other Cavs player in double figures (11) as he hit a trio of three-pointers.
LeVert finished with 24 points on 56 percent shooting. His offensive outburst was also helpful because it made Jalen Brunson have to try and play defense instead of sitting back and saving energy for the offensive end.
If Garland and LeVert can be consistent scoring threats, it will force the Knicks’ defense to not constantly throw multiple defenders at Mitchell all series and limit his effectiveness.
No. 3: Mitchell’s effectiveness as a distributor
After Donovan was the Cavs’ primary source of offense for much of Game 1, many wondered how he would handle Game 2.
On the one hand, he could come out looking to score 40+ points to lead the Cavaliers to a win. However, he chose a different approach that will be far more effective in the long run.
Mitchell decided in Game 2 to be more of a facilitator and get his teammates going. Mitchell attempted just 11 shots last night, which was far different than Game 1, where he attempted 14 shots in the first half alone.
Last night Mitchell set a career playoff-high with 13 assists while scoring just 17 points.
This strategy by Mitchell to get Garland and LeVert going was brilliant on his part, as he knows he needs their help on offense if Cleveland wants to get past New York and into the second round of the playoffs.
With Mitchell being one of only three essentially guaranteed rotation players with playoff experience, he can likely get his shot anytime he wants. But what good is scoring 35 or 40 points if it results in the Cavs losing?
Donovan wants his teammates to gain confidence in their ability, especially with the series shifting to New York, where a raucous crowd will await Cleveland.
This series is far from over, and we will see how the Cavaliers will fare on the road, where they certainly had their struggles in the regular season.
That said, Cleveland’s Game 2 performance should instill some confidence in their ability, and it is now a whole new series going into Game 3 on Friday night.