Knicks at Cavaliers, Game 5: 3 Stars From a Quick Clinch

Granted an opportunity for a long-awaited promotion in the NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks decided that 10 years of waiting was quite long enough.

Sent back to Ohio to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Knicks sealed the deal quickly, never trailing in a 106-95 triumph that sealed a 4-1 series victory. Not only did the Knicks end the season of former offseason target Donovan Mitchell but they now have homecourt advantage in a revival of their long-standing postseason rivalry with the Miami Heat in the conference semifinals. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden (1 p.m. ET, ABC).

Which Knicks stood out most in a crucial victory?

Honorable Mentions

RJ Barrett: 21 points (7-of-13 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Josh Hart: 12 rebounds
Immanuel Quickley: 19 points

OBI TOPPIN WINDMILL SLAM 🔥 pic.twitter.com/P6xGtrx9ag
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) April 27, 2023

3rd Star: Obi Toppin

12 points, 2 rebounds

Few across the Association have embraced the idea of springtime being a period of rejuvenation than Toppin. A rotational afterthought for most of the season, the Dayton alum and eighth overall pick from 2020 returned to the state of his collegiate endeavors and brought back the greatest memories at the worst possible time for the Ohioans gathered at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, taking over for the injured Julius Randle to score all of his points in the third quarter, helping the Knicks keep pace in the face of an emergency.

And again, the Knicks benefit from RJ pushing off the rebound and not allowing the Cavs' great defense to set. Jalen Brunson is left all alone and makes them pay. pic.twitter.com/FgRH13Eojz
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) April 27, 2023

2nd Star: Jalen Brunson

23 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

Brunson enjoyed deja vu all over again by coming up big in an effort to squash "Spida." Between the recent transactions between the Knicks and Cavs and last year's clash between their former employers, Mitchell may have nightmares about Brunson if this keeps up and he won't be alone.

The former Dallas Maverick helped the Knicks build an early impenetrable lead, putting in 17 points in the first half on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. Brunson knew from the get-go that he had many folks to impress upon signing a $104 million contract in New York over the summer and he's more than fulfilled his duties in year one. But he's well aware that such a price tag requires much more than four spring victories.

"I've said this many times, the tradition of the Knicks, what it means not only to the city but the league, we have what I feel are the best fans in the world, we have the best city in the world, we have the best arena in the world, and I think the way this team plays resonates with all our fans," Brunson said after Wednesday's win, per Nick Friedell of ESPN. "They play hard, they play smart, and they play together, and I think you if you do that in New York it's always recognized. So it's good. There's still a lot of work to be done. We have a lot of areas to improve upon, so we're looking forward to the next challenge."

1st Star: Mitchell Robinson

18 rebounds (11 offensive), 13 points

Few could've envisioned Robinson being the biggest "Mitchell" with an impact in an elimination game but his efforts, particularly in the fourth quarter, caused Cavs fans to boo their team and flee for the exits. Robinson's rebounding showcase, particularly on the offensive glass, drained Cleveland's will and kept the Knicks' lead at a healthy distance.

All season long, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has referred to Robinson as one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. His faith was vindicated and then some on Wednesday: by creating 11 second chances, Robinson became just the third Knick to reach double-figures in offensive boards in a playoff game, joining Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley.

“I thought the way Mitch played just set the tone for everything,” Thibodeau said, per Zach Braziller of the New York Post. "Oftentimes, he’s got two bodies on him and they’re making a conscious effort to keep him off the glass. Now, his defensive rebounding is coming along also. That rebounding piece is huge, the shot-blocking, the rim protection, the pick-and-roll defense, and his offense is starting to come as well.”

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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