After going 4-0 in the regular season last year against the Knicks, Cleveland dropped it’s opener in the Garden, 119-111. The story of this game was free throws, focus, and rebounding. The Knicks were more focused (Cavs fouled four three point shooters in the first half), were much better on the glass (48-32 rebound advantage), and then played refball down the stretch as Brunson repeatedly grifted his way into iso free throws (as I called before the game). Still, you can’t spot a team 15 points in the first half on their home court, especially an NBA darling like the Knicks.
Podcap: New York 119, Cleveland 111 (or, Bright Lights and the Big City)
