"In Game 7 of the conference semifinals on Sunday night, Donovan Mitchell's 26 points and Cade Cunningham being held to just 13 were enough for the Cavaliers to eliminate the Pistons. Their second Game 7 victory of the postseason sets them up to face the Knicks in a rematch of the 2023 first round. Three years ago, New York got the upper hand in five games, which kick-started their gradual upward climb towards the top of the East. Now, they remain the highest-seeded team left in the conference."
"The fourth-seeded Cavaliers will begin the conference finals on the road against a Knicks team that has yet to lose in Game 1 on their home court of Madison Square Garden. Not to mention, Cleveland is entering the series on less than two days' rest, while New York had had nine days off. In that period, forward OG Anunoby was able to recover from a hamstring injury that took him out of action in Games 3 and 4 of the semifinal sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers. He is trending towards playing in Game 1, while his teammates took care of business in his absence."
"Most notably, team captain Jalen Brunson has remained at the helm of the Knicks success, scoring more than 25 points in three out of the four games against the 76ers. His brilliance was on display in games two and three, when he led his team in consecutive come-from-behind victories. Karl-Anthony Towns has held down the interior, posting 17 points in Game 4. In fact, the team has made the superstar big man their offensive focal point, allowing him to act as a facilitator, where he can be as effective passing the ball, as evidenced by his six or more assists in every game against the 76ers."
Cleveland defeated Detroit in Game 7 of the conference semifinals, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 26 points and Cade Cunningham limited to 13. The Cavaliers advanced to face the Knicks in a rematch of the 2023 first round. New York had not beaten Detroit during the regular season, but Cleveland ended that matchup possibility. The Knicks enter as the highest-seeded team remaining in the conference and have not lost a Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. Cleveland begins the conference finals on less than two days’ rest, while New York had nine days off. OG Anunoby is trending toward playing after recovering from a hamstring injury. Jalen Brunson has led New York’s offense, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been a key interior focal point with consistent passing and assists. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart have also contributed with double-figure scoring.
Read at www.amny.com
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