Knicks vs. Cavaliers: 3 keys for New York in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals
After a 109-93 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, the Knicks are in control of the Eastern Conference Finals with a 2-0 series lead. Game 2 was a balanced offensive attack as all five New York starters scored in double figures. Josh Hart also came alive with 26 points.
Now, the Knicks will look to extend their franchise record of consecutive postseason wins to 10 games. With the series scene shifting to Cleveland, let’s dive into some keys to Game 3. Hart beat Game 2 was a moment of redemption for Hart.
Relegated to the bench for much of New York’s Game 1 comeback in the fourth quarter and overtime, Hart recovered with 26 points, four rebounds, and seven assists on Thursday night. The story of this series so far has been Cleveland’s defensive strategy to have center Jarrett Allen guard Hart. Allen is largely ignoring the New York wing.
Hart got off to a slow start, missing five of six treys in the first half, but he went on a run, knocking down four of five trifectas in the second half. Many of the attempts Hart took were completely open. Cleveland is defending this way to keep the rest of New York’s lineup, including stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns , in check.
Allen has been able to protect the rim and limit scoring opportunities in the paint by ignoring Hart. But Hart has shown he is capable. He shot 41.