James Harden is still facing postseason failure, shooting less than 36% from the field (less than 27% on 3-pointers) with more turnovers (six) than assists (five) through the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Donovan Mitchell remains the face of a franchise that has repeatedly failed to reach its potential, responding to Cleveland’s Game 1 collapse — in which he made just one shot over the final 17 minutes — by scoring seven first-half points in Game 2.
He didn’t make his presence felt until the Cavaliers fell into a double-digit hole in the second half, and he also left Madison Square Garden with more turnovers (five) than assists (four) after two games.
The Cavaliers, who became one of the best offensive teams in the league after trading for Harden in February, now return to Cleveland with a 109-93 loss on Thursday, still seeking an offensive breakthrough against a Knicks defense that has now held opponents under 100 points on six occasions during a dominant postseason run.
Over the last 65 minutes of play — starting in the fourth quarter of Game 1 — the Knicks allowed just 116 points, having held Cleveland to 39 percent shooting in Game 2, including 26 percent (9-for-35) on 3-pointers.
During the Knicks’ nine-game winning streak, they allowed an average of 98.8 points. Through 12 games, the Knicks have posted the second-best defensive rating in the postseason, barely behind Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs.
“Our defense was very good, especially when you have the talent they have, the All-Star team they have and the shooting they have,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “We’ve just got to continue to mix up what we’re doing. Our guys have done a pretty good job of trying to pay attention to detail on the defensive end.”
Sharpshooter Sam Merrill is 3-for-15 from the perimeter. Max Strus, who averaged nearly 15 points while helping the Heat eliminate the Knicks in 2023, has 13 total points. Dennis Schröder, who shot 47.6 percent on 3-pointers against the Knicks in last year’s playoff series with the Pistons, has seven points on 3-for-14 shooting.
Even Cleveland’s top talent was limited.
Nick Merch Store
The New York Post receives revenue from affiliate partnerships and advertising for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
OG Anunoby helped hold Jarrett Allen below his season average in both contests, while Evan Mobley — who initially caused the Knicks problems by scoring 14 first-half points in Game 2 — was held scoreless and without a field goal attempt in the second half.
With 10:37 remaining in the third quarter, the score was tied. The Knicks then took control with an 18-0 run, holding the Cavaliers without a point for more than five and a half minutes.
“We were able to stop and run and get easy baskets,” Jalen Brunson said. “Our offense, the way we were able to play in transition, is definitely a credit to our defense.”