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3 Things Knicks desperately need to leave behind in hideous playoff defeat

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers boxes out Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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 - APRIL 18: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers boxes out Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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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The New York Knicks got flat-out embarrassed in Game 2 in Cleveland, losing by a score of 107-90. The Cavaliers ran away in the second quarter, and from there, there was no hope for the Knicks. Not one New York player had a good game, but now, the Knicks will get to return to MSG for Games 3 and 4. The timing couldn’t be better.

After having two full days between Games 1 and 2 and Games 2 and 3, Games 3 and 4 will only have one day in between them. Game 3 will take place on Friday night and Game 4 will be held on Sunday afternoon.

At least Knicks fans know that their team is capable of beating the Cavaliers. That much was evident in New York’s 101-97 Game 1 win. It isn’t a bad thing at all to head to NYC with the series tied at 1-1. Although it feels as if the momentum lies with Cleveland, the Knicks are actually in a good spot.

If New York looks anything as it did in Game 2, though, the series will be a wrap. The good news is that it’s hard to envision the Knicks playing anything like they did on Tuesday night. At the very least, the players shouldn’t want to suffer that embarrassment again.

3 things Knicks need to leave behind as they prepare for Game 3 in New York

3: Lack of intensity

Game 2 was more of a must-win for Cleveland than it was for New York, but the Knicks were out there playing like it was a preseason game. It’s hard to do much when you or your teammates can’t buy a shot, but New York didn’t seem to have any sense of urgency to try to get themselves back in the game.

Down by 20 at the half, the Knicks started the third quarter and nothing changed. Mitchell Robinson missed a pass down low that hit his hands and winded up being a turnover. Teams have off nights, but to say that it was discouraging to see New York show no fight would be an understatement.

To make matters worse, the Knicks showed no fight on the defensive end. On the flip side, the Cavaliers’ defensive intensity was too much for New York to handle. There were zero adjustments made.

It would be a crime for the Knicks to not give fans a show at MSG. The lack of intensity that was present in Game 2 needs to never see the light of day again.

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