The New York Knicks Are Coming For The Cavs
The Cleveland Cavaliers came back from the All-Star break playing some of their worst basketball of the season. They did win their last two games but have overall struggled.
They have a post-break record of 4-3 as they remain in a tight hunt for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. This includes some close losses to the 76ers, Nuggets, and Hawks.
This suboptimal record in their last seven games has made the playoff picture in the East much more interesting. But it's not a fascinating battle Cavs fans may want to be having at this point of the season.
As the Cavs have continued to struggle, the New York Knicks are blossoming and coming for Cleveland. New York rattled off nine straight wins, which included victories over playoff teams in both the East and the West.
Dec 4, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
They've especially been playing well since the acquisition of Josh Hart at the Trade Deadline. Hart was a target for the Cavs, but a trade was unable to get worked out. He's played incredibly with the New York averaging 11.2 points and 5.9 rebounds while also providing a huge boost on defense.
The Cavs currently sit 2.5 games ahead of the Knicks in the standing so there is some wiggle room. But another rough stretch could easily find them with a first-round series on the road.
New York is Cleveland's biggest threat to losing out on a crucial playoff spot. The fourth seed is incredibly important for the Cavs if they are hoping to make a deep playoff run. However, they'll be in the thick of the fight with the Knicks for the position well before the playoffs actually start.
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