After getting punched in the mouth by Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in Game 1, James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers head into Thursday night facing their first real moment of postseason turbulence.
For a while, it looked like the Cavaliers were going to win the game easily, but Brunson went on a massive heater down the stretch, scoring 17 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Knicks were trailing by as many as 22 points, but they got hot at the perfect time and eventually won 115-104 in overtime.
Harden once again recorded more turnovers than field goals and struggled to get his game going throughout the night. It’s a trend Harden has battled throughout the postseason.
The 2018 NBA MVP finished with 15 points. He shot 5-of-16 from the field and made just one of eight attempts from 3-point range. In the fourth quarter and overtime, he shot just 1-for-7 and committed two turnovers. He also recorded one steal and one block.
Cleveland now enters Thursday’s pivotal Game 2 at Madison Square Garden attempting to reestablish the pace and composure that defined the closing stretch of its Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
There is still plenty left to play in the series, but the tone of the matchup shifted considerably after Game 1. Now isn’t the time to look back. If the Cavaliers hope to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole, the key will be cleaner execution on offense, and that starts with better performances from their star players.
As for the Knicks, they will be expecting Cleveland’s best effort in Game 2, and New York hopes to match that with even greater intensity of its own.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Injury Reports For ECF Game 2
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavaliers reported no fresh injuries, meaning they enter the matchup with a clean bill of health.
New York Knicks Injury Report
Similarly, the Knicks also have no new injuries. They will have their full roster available as they look to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Starting Lineups For ECF Game 2
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup
Head coach Kenny Atkinson said he will not bench James Harden even if he struggles again, and is likely to stick with the same approach in Game 2. He is expected to field a lineup consisting of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wzade, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
PG: James Harden, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: Dean Wade, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
As for the Knicks, OG Anunoby made his return to the lineup after missing the last game with a hamstring strain. He is expected to start alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
PG: Jalen Bruson, SF: Mikal Bridges, SF: OG Anunoby, PF: Josh Hart, C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Game 2 tips off at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. The matchup will air nationally on ESPN, and fans can also watch it via NBA League Pass.
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