Cavaliers’ Shooting Woes Push Knicks to Commanding 2-0 Series Lead

The Cleveland Cavaliers now face a difficult climb after dropping the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks. Thursday’s 109-93 defeat left Cleveland searching for answers as the series shifts back to Ohio with the Knicks holding a commanding 2-0 lead.

For Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, the outcome was tied directly to one issue that had already surfaced earlier in the series. Cleveland’s inability to consistently make perimeter shots once again disrupted the offense and prevented the team from keeping pace with New York’s balanced attack.

The Cavaliers struggled in nearly every key offensive category. Cleveland finished just 9-for-35 from three-point range while also shooting below 39 percent overall from the field. Missed opportunities at the free-throw line added to the frustration, as the team converted only 22 of its 32 attempts.

Meanwhile, the Knicks continued to play with confidence and efficiency. New York received contributions from every starter and used a decisive third-quarter run to take control, extending what has become the NBA’s longest active postseason winning streak.

1. Cleveland’s Offense Falls Apart

Atkinson made it clear after the game that outside shooting would likely determine the direction of the series. Cleveland entered the matchup aware that it needed stronger production from beyond the arc to compete with New York’s spacing and offensive depth. Instead, the Cavaliers delivered another difficult shooting performance. After connecting on only 32 percent of their three-point attempts in Game 1, Cleveland’s numbers declined even further in Game 2. The poor efficiency allowed the Knicks to crowd the paint and limit easy scoring chances throughout the night. The turning point came midway through the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell tied the game early in the period with a driving layup, briefly giving Cleveland momentum. However, the offense completely stalled afterward as the Cavaliers went more than five minutes without scoring. New York took full advantage during that stretch, producing an 18-0 run that effectively ended the contest. The Cavaliers struggled to generate clean looks while the Knicks repeatedly found rhythm in transition and half-court situations. By the time Cleveland finally scored again, the deficit had already become overwhelming.

2. Knicks Continue Balanced Playoff Push

The Knicks once again showcased the depth that has fueled their postseason success. Josh Hart delivered one of the strongest performances of his playoff career, scoring 26 points while knocking down five three-pointers after entering the game with inconsistent shooting numbers during the postseason. Jalen Brunson continued to control the pace offensively despite not having his most efficient shooting night. The veteran guard finished with 19 points and 14 assists, repeatedly creating open opportunities for teammates while helping stabilize the offense during key moments of the game. Karl-Anthony Towns added another productive outing with 18 points and 13 rebounds, giving New York a reliable interior presence on both ends of the floor. Mikal Bridges also contributed 19 points as the Knicks maintained offensive balance throughout the lineup. Perhaps most impressive for New York was the consistency across the starting group. Every Knicks starter finished in double figures, highlighting the team-oriented approach that has defined this playoff run. The victory marked New York’s ninth consecutive postseason win, the league’s longest streak since Boston’s championship run two years earlier.

3. Cavaliers Searching for Urgency

Despite the loss, Mitchell continued to fight through physical limitations to lead Cleveland offensively. The All-Star guard scored 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting, though there were moments throughout the game where he appeared less explosive than usual while dealing with lingering health concerns. Evan Mobley started aggressively and scored 10 points in the opening quarter, giving the Cavaliers early energy around the basket. However, his involvement faded as the game progressed. Mobley attempted only two shots over the final three quarters and finished with 14 points overall. James Harden provided additional scoring with 18 points, while Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Still, Cleveland lacked the offensive rhythm needed to seriously threaten New York once the Knicks established momentum in the second half. Now the Cavaliers return home facing enormous pressure heading into Game 3 on Saturday. Falling behind 3-0 in the series would place Cleveland in an almost impossible position, making the upcoming matchup critical if the team hopes to keep its postseason run alive.