The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the New York Knicks in overtime by a score of 139-134. This was the eleventh consecutive home loss and fourth straight overall.
The Cleveland Cavaliers took on the New York Knicks Monday in desperate search of a win to snap a six-game losing streak at home to start the decade. Tristan Thompson did not participate in the contest due to quad soreness, but some believe it could be due to the trade deadline being just a few days away. Cleveland is shopping the veteran center and could be looking to preserve his trade value and not risk Thompson suffering a serious injury.
1st half
At one point in the 1st quarter the Cavaliers held a 10-point lead, but they found themselves trailing at the half 63-62. Cleveland made 10 three-pointers in the 1st half and 53.5% of their shots overall. The Cavs were getting beat in the paint early and often, allowing the Knicks to score 36 points in the paint during the 1st half while only scoring 20. New York’s bench outscored Cleveland’s 31-6 in the 1st half. Part of this can be attributed to Larry Nance Jr. being inserted into the starting lineup for the Cavs, but overall it is just bad defense.
Kevin Love was electric in the 1st quarter, scoring 17 points. The 2nd quarter was quite a bit different with only 2 points for Love.
Collin Sexton had 16 points at the half. The second-year guard went 6-12 from the field including 2-3 from three-point range and making both free throw attempts. Sexton excelled an area that his lack of proficiency has been criticized since he played in his first NBA game, assists. Sexton had a team-high 4 assists at the half, a bit of surprise to anyone who has watched him play.
2nd half
The Cleveland Cavaliers did something in the 3rd quarter that they have not done often this season. Outscore their opponent. Cleveland actually surpassed their total 3rd quarter points in Saturday’s loss to Golden State (19) just over five minutes into the quarter. The Cavs dropped 38 points in the 3rd and they really needed it. New York scored 32 points of their own to keep things rather close.
Cleveland came into the 4th quarter with a 100-95 lead. While they were outscored in the quarter, it was not to the magnitude that may are used to. New York scored 32 points compared to Cleveland’s 27. A clutch three from Collin Sexton tied the game at 127 with 33.2 seconds left. A tough defensive stand kept New York from ending the game in regulation as the 4th quarter ended tied at 127 apiece.
Overtime
Overtime was not as kind to the Cavaliers. Cleveland started off on a little 5-2 run over the first 2:13. This success did not last. New York took over and outscored Cleveland 10-2 over the final 2:17 to give Cleveland their seventh consecutive loss at home in 2020. In fact, it is their 11th consecutive loss at home overall, their last win at home coming back on December 23rd against the Atlanta Hawks.
Bench points and points in the paint are the story here
As mentioned above, Larry Nance Jr. being a starter did not help the Cavaliers bench scoring. Cleveland’s bench was outscored 61-25 in the contest. This is an incredible margin. It is worth mentioning that New York played six bench players compared to Cleveland’s four, but the scoring output still wouldn’t have been close if the amount of bench players were equal.
The other interesting takeaway is points in the paint. The Knicks absolutely dominated the paint, outscoring the Cavaliers 72-48. New York knew they could bully the Tristan Thompson-less Cavs down low and took advantage all game long.
Kevin Love and Collin Sexton lead Cavs
The top two players for the Cavaliers were Kevin Love and Collin Sexton yet again. It is basically a formality now that these two will lead Cleveland in scoring.
Kevin Love had 33 points on 12-20 shooting (4-9 3PT). Love also had 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block. Quite a strong performance from the Cleveland big man.
Collin Sexton added 29 points of his own while going 11-22 from the field. Sexton was able to have one of his better shooting nights from deep, making 3 of 5 attempts, but the story with Sexton isn’t his shooting. It is his passing. Collin Sexton had a team-high 7 assists, this was also his season-high. Sexton has improved as a passer lately and it is certainly showing. Even though the Cavs lost, there is hope for someone that many people cast aside as someone who can’t pass.
Larry Nance Jr., Cedi Osman, and Darius Garland round out the Cavs starting lineup who all scored in double-digits.
Every Cleveland starter scored in double-digits. In addition to Kevin Love and Collin Sexton hitting double-digits, Larry Nance Jr., Cedi Osman, and Darius Garland did as well.
Larry Nance Jr. went 8-13 from the field, totaling 18 points on the night. Nance also had 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block. Nance displayed he can be more than just a bench player while filling in for the injured Thompson.
Cedi Osman had a good game that is a bit overlooked due to the performances of Kevin Love and Collin Sexton. Osman scored 15 points while going 6-10 from the field and making 3 of 6 three-point attempts. 4 rebounds and 2 assists rounded out his stat line for the contest.
Darius Garland continues to trend back in the right direction. Garland had some rough games, but appears to have found level again, making half of his shots, including four three-pointers, the rookie guard was able score 14 points in 39 minutes of play. Darius Garland also had 5 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Kevin Porter Jr. highlight machine
The description of this game cannot be completed without mentioning Kevin Porter Jr.
The Cavaliers rookie had an absolutely amazing alley-oop dunk late in the 4th quarter.
Here is the same dunk from a different angle.
Kevin Porter Jr. looks like the real deal and should have many more dunks just like this in his future.
