The Cavs Core Four: Evaluating their Game 4 performances vs Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers headed to Madison Square Garden with the series tied at 1-1. Now, after two underwhelming performances at the world’s most famous arena, they head back to Cleveland for Game 5 down 3-1. While there is a chance for some 2016 magic, there is no LeBron James or Kyrie Irving waiting in the wings to save this franchise.

There have been 13 instances in NBA history where a team has come back from 3-1 down to win a series. That is 13 out of 271. The odds are not in the Cavs favor, and there are many reasons for pessimism.

The New York Knicks have outclassed the Cavs in many ways, especially on the boards. They have swarmed the Cavs top two playmakers in Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. They have made life tough in the paint for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Jalen Brunson has been the best player in this series. Josh Hart has asserted himself as one of the best role players in the league and has shown the Cavs exactly what they are missing.

It is just blow after blow for the Cavs right now in this first round series. However, this series is not over and the Wine and Gold have proven that they are one of the better comeback teams in the league throughout this year. They need more out of their core though if they want to come back once again. Here is my evaluation of their performances from Game 4 in New York.