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3 Key matchups that will decide Knicks-Cavaliers playoff series

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are set to face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers this Saturday for Game 1, hoping for their first playoff series victory since 2013. With the fourth-seeded Cavs favored to win, the Knicks need to outperform expectations to make it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

New York did defeat Cleveland in the season series 3-1, which should be a sign that they’ll be able to hold their own in a postseason matchup.

With Julius Randle’s status for Game 1 uncertain after he suffered a sprained ankle in the 78th game of the season, the Knicks will need to win several key matchups to defeat the Cavaliers and their elite defense.

These 3 matchups will determine the Knicks’ playoff success

3: Mitchell Robinson vs. Jarrett Allen

While Jarrett Allen’s numbers have dropped slightly after becoming an All-Star last season, he’s still one of the league’s premier defensive centers. Not to mention, the Cavaliers are much better with him on the court than off.

He also has some playoff experience, with nine career postseason starts back when he was a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Needless to say, Mitchell Robinson is going to have his hands full in his first-ever playoff appearance.

The Cavaliers finished the year with the best defense in the association, leading the league in both opponent scoring and overall defensive rating. They allowed opposing teams to average just 23 assists per game, also the best mark in the NBA. However, they ranked just 25th in defensive rebounding.

This means that the Knicks will likely have to rely on crashing the glass to keep their offense humming due to a potential lack of ball movement, hunting second-chance opportunities whenever they can get them. Robinson’s best skill is his offensive rebounding, grabbing the second most offensive boards in the league.

As for Allen, he was one of the main culprits behind Cleveland’s surprisingly poor rebounding numbers. Despite playing a career-high 32.6 minutes per game he grabbed just 6.5 defensive rebounds each night, his worst average since 2019.

Given how evenly matched these teams are, a couple of extra possessions could be the difference between winning and losing the series. If Robinson can outplay Allen and give the Knicks those extra possessions, a victory is a lot more possible.

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