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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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New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

2: Immanuel Quickley vs. Caris LeVert

With the playoffs comes shortened rotations, but it will still be crucial for the Knicks to win the minutes when most of the Cavaliers’ high-powered starting lineup isn’t on the floor. This comes down to the battle of the sixth men, Immanuel Quickley and Caris LeVert.

LeVert originally began the season as a starter but was moved to a reserve role to help provide a spark of offense due to the lack of depth on their roster. The 28-year-old has remained a solid, sometimes streaky scorer who has an underrated passing ability. He also hit on a career-high 39.2% of his threes.

It’ll be on Quickley to not only surpass his offensive production but slow down LeVert on the defensive end as well.

Outside of LeVert and long-range shooter Cedi Osman, no other Cavs bench player in their rotation averaged more than six points per game. If Quickley and Josh Hart can limit LeVert, the Cavaliers will have a small margin for error if Donovan Mitchell or former All-Star point guard Darius Garland has an off night.

On the other end of the court, Quickley has been one of the hottest offensive players in the league in the second half of the season. In his final 20 games, he averaged 21.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on impressive 46-40-81 shooting splits.

While LeVert may not be directly guarding Quickley due to their size difference, it’s still crucial for the 23-year-old to run the offense effectively against Cleveland’s mostly unimposing bench unit.

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