Virtually no one outside the Cavaliers organization is giving the Cavs a realistic chance to make NBA history by rallying from a 3-0 series deficit against the New York Knicks and win the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals.
But outsiders are wondering whether the Cavs have what it takes to avoid a sweep against the red-hot Knicks, who have won 10 consecutive playoff games.
Everyone will find out in Game 4, which is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Rocket Arena.
Here are Cavs-Knicks Game 4 predictions from Beacon Journal sports writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
The Cavs have tried everything they can to slow down Jalen Brunson, and nothing has worked. In Game 1, he torched them. In Game 2, they got the ball out of his hands, but that only led to a monster game by Josh Hart. In Game 3, they were attacked from all angles. They haven’t been able to find the right answer, and they’re out of time. The Cavs’ shooting in essentially every category is becoming a concern, and it’s difficult not to assign fatigue as at least a contributing factor there. As Donovan Mitchell noted several times after Game 3, the Cavs did this to themselves by failing to close out Toronto and then Detroit, leading to back-to-back series that went to a Game 7. The Cavs haven’t had a chance to catch their breath in about three weeks, and it might be catching up to them now, especially against the well-rested Knicks. The Cavs’ bench production has also become a major issue. When Max Strus and/or Sam Merrill are hitting 3-pointers and providing a spark, the Cavs have plenty of firepower. But in the last few games neither has had his shot falling, and it’s allowed the Knicks to maintain control. The Cavs dominated the first three quarters of Game 1, and the Knicks have been in complete control the last nine quarters and one overtime period. The Game 3 loss felt like the backbreaker for the Cavs, with the fracture beginning with their 22-point collapse in Game 1. The Cavs twice in these playoffs had rallied at home and almost relied on it. Knicks 115, Cavs 110
Can the Cavs refuel at all after running out of gas? Do they want to fight or go on vacation? Do they have enough pride to avoid a sweep, or are they just satisfied with reaching the Eastern Conference Finals? Those are valid questions after the dud the Cavs produced in a 121-108 loss to the Knicks in Game 3 on May 23.The Knicks have been ruthless in elimination games this postseason. They led the Philadelphia 76ers by as many as 44 points en route to winning 144-114 in Game 4 and completing a sweep in the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 10. The Knicks led the Atlanta Hawks by as many as 61 points on New York’s way to prevailing 140-89 in Game 6 on April 30. The Knicks seized a 4-2 first-round series victory.Knicks 116, Cavs 106
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. The Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Game 4 predictions
