The Cleveland Cavaliers have the New York Knicks right where they want them. Yes, the Cavs are down 0-2 to New York in the Eastern Conference Finals that continue on Saturday in Cleveland. That’s where the Pistons had the Cavs last round, right?
The difference this time is that Cleveland doesn’t seem to have answers for the Knicks’ guards, particularly Jalen Brunson. That is why NBA betting odds have Cleveland as only a 2½-point favorite with the total at 214 for Game 3.
No matter what Cleveland did at MSG, the Knicks were able to find open shots or shots that their great guard Brunson could easily hit. He is physical and takes advantage of anyone near him. And when Cleveland doubles Brunson, he finds a teammate with a pass for an open shot that goes through the hoop.
This is a physical series, and it isn’t to say the Cavs are in a deep hole, but if they can’t win Game 3, when the Knicks go for their 10th straight playoff win, NBA playoff odds will be historically against them. There is something off about the Cavs, and it just might be because New York is on them like a blanket.
