Cup of Cavs: Previewing the New York Knicks

The first sip

In an Eastern Conference that’s loaded in the middle, the New York Knicks are a team primed for upward mobility. Their big swing for Mikal Bridges could elevate them to title contention — but there are a few things they still need to prove.

The Knicks won 50 games for the first time since 2013 last season and fell one game short of reaching the conference finals. Jalen Brunson is a borderline superstar and the depth around him is legit. The newly acquired Bridges along with OG Anunoby make an elite duo of defensive wings while Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo provide worth in the backcourt. At their best, the Knicks have the lethal ability to score and defend at the highest level.

New York’s biggest issue is a thin frontcourt. They lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency while Mitchell Robinson is already down with an injury. Julius Randle could be the remedy but even with his return, the Knicks’ options are scarce.

Never worry, Tom Thibodeau isn’t a fan of playing his reserves, anyway. And that’s my final concern for this team. Can they actually get over the finish line? Or will their stars be run into the dirt like the year prior? There has to be a way to win games and preserve your most important players — but if there is, Thibs hasn’t found it.

How the Cavs played the Knicks last season

It’s no secret, the Knicks have their number. The Cavs went 1-2 against New York last season — including a game where Josh Hart “yanked” Donovan Mitchell’s chain after nailing a dagger. And keeping with our theme — the Knicks were decimated by injury that game yet still found a way to beat their little brother in Cleveland.

Personally, I’m still seeking a cathartic win over the Knicks. The Cavs have yet to properly pay them back for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. I hope to see both teams healthy, as they hardly were in their matchups from last year. And most of all — I hope to see a Wine and Gold winner.

Cavs vs Knicks this season

• at New York – Oct. 28
• at Home – Feb. 25
• at Home – April 2
• at New York – April 11

Notable players who have played for both franchises

• J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert were both brought from Cleveland to New York in the same trade. The duo was released to jump ship and play with LeBron James where they both became quality depth pieces in numerous playoff runs. Smith ranks 7th all-time in three-pointers made for the Cavaliers.
• Campy Russell only played for two NBA teams. He spent his first six years in Cleveland, then a brief two-year stint with the Knicks, and finally returned to the Cavs for his retirement season. He finished his career averaging 15.8 points and with an All-Star Game under his belt. Since retiring, Russell has been broadcasting in Cleveland for roughly 20 years.
• Walt Frazier isn’t just one of the most decorated Knicks in history but one of the most legendary players from his era, period. He won two titles and finished with seven All-Star selections, six All-NBA selections and a spot in the Hall of Fame. Before retiring, Frazier spent the tail end of his career in Cleveland — averaging 14.6 points across his final three seasons.

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