New York Knicks' Team Ball Embarrasses LeBron James & Cavs, 114-95 (Highlights)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 29: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fights to maintain control while under pressure from Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 29, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks, led by Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., destroy LeBron James and the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Sunday night.

  • New York Knicks 114 (2-3)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers 95 (3-4)
  • NBA, Eastern Conference, Final, Box Score
  • Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

It’s never wise to get ahead of one’s self, but it’s tough to not feel at least a little giddy about what transpired on Sunday night in Cleveland.

Big Apple basketball fans are smitten. Defense, team ball, hustle — it was all on display via the young New York Knicks in their 114-95 victory over LeBron James and the Cavs in Cleveland.

From the outset, this was a New York night. The Knicks outscored the Cavs 29-19 by the time the first quarter had ended and enjoyed an eight-point lead at halftime.

The man of the night was Tim Hardaway Jr.

Timmy, 25, came into the night struggling mightily. He was shooting a porous .265 from the floor and even worse .222 from beyond the arc. On Monday night, Hardaway exploded for 34 points on 11-of-19 shooting including 5-of-10 from downtown.

The only scary moment of the game came to begin the fourth. Cleveland got off hot — a 13-2 sort of run hot that saw the lead get cut to six. After a timely Jeff Hornacek timeout, the Knickerbockers composed themselves and continue d to play team ball and solid defense.

Kristaps Porzingis was sensational again, finishing with 32 points on 13-of-27 from the floor. His arsenal in-and-around the paint continues to grow.

Rookie Frank Ntilikina once again spelled starter Jarrett Jack and impressed. A few fresh bounce-passes wowed the eyes in contributing to his final line of five points, two assists and two steals.

More important than the team ball offensively, this team clamped it down defensively against a struggling Cavs squad. LeBron James couldn’t get anything going all night long. He went for 16 on 7-of-15 shooting including seven dimes. Kevin Love led Cleveland in scoring with 22. Former Knick Derrick Rose went for 15.

The Knicks came into the game ranking 28th in the league in scoring and blitzed the Cavs with 114 points. It’s the Knicks first road win of the season.

Now sitting at 2-3, New York will turn its attention to the Denver Nuggets back at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com