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Knicks get last laugh by eliminating Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers in playoffs

ByJordanna Clark|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks tries to keep the ball from Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. 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 - APRIL 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks tries to keep the ball from Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. 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)

It’s been a long nearly eight months for New York Knicks fans. On Sept. 1, the Cavaliers ended the Knicks-Donovan Mitchell rumors by trading for the star guard, leading to endless shots at New York for not going all-in on a player that thought he was going to be a Knick.

Cleveland was rightfully labeled as one of the best teams in the East after the trade, while New York was labeled as a team that would be fighting to earn a spot in the play-in tournament. Jalen Brunson was good, but not good enough. Or, at least that’s what they said. That take was quickly proven wrong.

A perfect storyline started to shape up toward the end of the regular season. The Cavaliers were sitting in fourth place in the East and the Knicks were fifth. If both teams could finish in those spots, they’d face off in what was sure to be an absolute battle in the first round of the playoffs.

Well, that’s what ended up happening, except it wasn’t the fight that many thought it would be. New York was the better team by a mile, winning the series 4-1. And guess who was the best player in the series? None other than Brunson.

Knicks take 4-1 first-round series win over Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers

With the exception of Game 2, New York dominated. Games 3 and 4 at the Garden were absolutely electric and the Cavaliers had zero answers. Cleveland had nothing to lose with its back against the wall in Game 5, but the storyline was the same that it had been all series — The Knicks were the better team.

It’s the first time in 10 years that New York has advanced to the second round, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. It’s fitting that the same players that were reportedly included in trade packages to the Jazz for Donovan Mitchell over the summer were the same players that stood out in the playoff series. Mitchell Robinson was a nightmare for Jarrett Allen, Obi Toppin stepped up when Julius Randle was down, Immanuel Quickley’s defense was critical, and RJ Barrett emerged as the team’s key X-Factor.

There were plenty of people that doubted this Knicks team, but none of that matters now. There’s nothing left for them to say. New York gets the last laugh by sending Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland home in the playoffs. What an ending.

And in case you’re still wondering, the Knicks are for real.

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