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3 Reasons Knicks can upset Cavaliers in highly anticipated playoff matchup

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots over Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots over Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Jalen Brunson activating playoff mode

In last year’s run to the Western Conference Finals with Dallas, Jalen Brunson averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 18 games. He shot 46.6% from the field and 34.7% from three. Even with Luka Doncic missing a few games during the postseason (Brunson scored 24, 41, and 31 without Doncic), Brunson was able to help guide Dallas to its deepest playoff run since winning the 2011 NBA Championship.

Brunson’s performance in the 2022 playoffs helped to shoot his free agency value up, but looking back on the four-year, $104 million contract that he signed with the Knicks, he’s underpaid, not overpaid. He averaged a career-high 24 points during his first regular season in New York in contrast to the 16.3 points he averaged in Dallas last season, and he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Sure, Donovan Mitchell could explode against the Knicks based on his playoff resume, but Brunson’s capable of doing the same. It was only a few weeks ago that Brunson dropped a career-high 48 points against the Cavaliers in their final matchup of the regular season that resulted in a Knicks win. Mitchell had 42.

Brunson’s in the running to win Clutch Player of the Year. In a series that could come down to the wire, it’s going to be an absolute treat to watch the 26-year-old should’ve been an All-Star guard showcase his talents once again in the playoffs. He was doubted last year, and it’d be a mistake to doubt him again.

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