By james art The Cleveland Cavaliers might be that good. While the Cavs’ roster is still nearly identical, there’s no question that this team doesn’t look like the one that took the court last season.
Another year together and another tough playoff loss seemed to ignite the Cavaliers’ hot 4-0 start to the regular season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has implemented a diverse, strategic offense and has gotten the most out of nearly every player on the court thus far. Shooting guard Sam Merrill is a permanent member of the rotation after two seasons of extra minutes for Cleveland. Atkinson’s system doesn’t depend much on star players carrying the night. Rather, everyone participates and moves.
The Cavs overcame a 13-point second-half deficit in a hostile environment to beat the New York Knicks 110-104 at Madison Square Garden. With the rivalry heating up between the two Eastern Conference contenders, this win was a definite win for the Cavaliers’ Finals aspirations.
Game adjustments and relentless work gave Cleveland the last laugh. Their balanced attack and selfless style of play outlasted a tired Knicks team at the final bell. In the end, New York was sloppy, committing pointless fouls and resorting to complaining to officials.
As for the Cavs, two difference players turned the tide when it mattered most.
With Darius Garland putting trade rumors to rest, Cavaliers fans were hoping to see a resurgent year for the point guard to return to the All-Star Game. Unpredictable injuries hampered his season last year, but Garland spent the entire offseason preparing for this season. He added weight and muscle and it showed against the Knicks.
Early in the game, Garland attacked the Knicks’ perimeter defense, struggling to get to his spots and immediately rising to take a mid-range three or a step-back. Garland dissected New York’s defense, opening up the court for the rest of his teammates. His quick pace and decisive moves were reminiscent of Garland’s only All-Star season. He finished the game with 34 points and three assists.
In the final stretch, Garland stayed on point at both ends of the court, actively competing for the best possible shot as a threat on and off the ball. Defensively, Garland had what was perhaps the biggest stop of the night, knocking the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands at the last minute.
Over the summer, it looked like Garland’s time in Cleveland might be cut short. If he had made a trade request, it was in the Cavs’ best interest to honor those wishes. But his statements at media day and his emphatic performances already this year demonstrate his commitment to what he started and helped build in Cleveland.