The New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Semifinals on Wednesday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 in Game Five. Here’s what you need to know:
- This is the Knicks’ first win in a playoff series since 2012-13. Jalen Bronson led New York in scoring with 23 points.
- Knicks forward Julius Randle was knocked out of the game late in the first half with a left ankle injury and did not return. He scored 13 points, four rebounds and six assists before departing.
- The Knicks will play the Bucks–Heat series winner in the conference semifinals.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
The Cavs’ series struggles continue
For the majority of the game, it was many of the same issues that have plagued the Cavs throughout the series. They struggled to limit the Knicks’ second chance chances in the first half of the game, as the Knicks scored 14 points at the second chance. They did somewhat in the second half of the game, only allowing six second points, but it was a bit too late. – Rousseau
Knicks dominate Cleveland on the glass
Smash the Knicks Cavs on the boards. They outscored Cleveland 48-30. Not only did the Knicks grab 17 offensive rebounds, but they held Cleveland’s second chance chances to 31 defensive rebounds, and Cleveland only had four offensive rebounds and three points per second chance. Josh Hart (12) and Mitchell Robinson (18) outperformed Cleveland seniors Evan Mobley (9) and Garrett Allen (4). – Rousseau
Transitions hurt Cavis
On the offensive end of the floor, the Cavs struggled with turnovers again. They finished the game with 13, which the Knicks converted into 12 points. They struggled to protect the ball and convert their offensive possessions. – Rousseau
background story
Randle’s left ankle sprain is the same one he sustained against the Miami Heat on March 29. Randle did not play another game during the regular season. His first game was in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, where he scored 19 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the floor.
During the regular season, Randle averaged 25.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field. The Knicks entered the NBA Playoffs with a 47-35 record, earning a No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Highlight of the game
Throw it down, JB‼️ pic.twitter.com/y0erVuTN1v
– New York Knicks (@nyknicks) April 27, 2023
required reading
(Photo: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)