The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled into Madison Square Garden and shot the lights out to humble the Knicks.
The Knicks were without Derrick Rose, and the Cavaliers were without JR Smith, but it all mattered very little as the Cavaliers destroyed the Knicks on their home floor.
The shooting clinic started in the first quarter with Kevin Love and co, and the Cavs kept that rhythm all night long. The Knicks couldn’t handle the Cavs firepower, and an excellent first quarter saw them race to a 36-26 lead after one. Love had 16 points, Kyrie Irving had nine and LeBron James had eight in the first period.
The Cavs wanted to go into halftime with a healthy lead, and they put their foot down again in the second quarter. The second unit came in and continued to make plays, as the Knicks were getting destroyed from the three point line. Cavs rolling at MSG up 63-48 after two. Love with 16 points, James with 19 points on 6/7 shooting and Irving with 12 points at halftime.
Tyronn Lue wanted his starters to get some rest, and the third quarter ensured that. The Cavs continue to take them apart, and opened up a once 30 point lead in the third quarter. An impressive end to the period saw the Cavs hold a 92-65 advantage after three. The Cavs big three combined to outscore the Knicks by themselves heading into the last period in a dominant display.
The starters got ample rest as the reserve unit saw out the contest, and everyone scores as the Cavs register a big road victory, 126-94.
The Cavs hit an incredible 22 three pointers, which is the most the Knicks have allowed in their history.
LeBron James finishes with 25 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one steal and two blocks. Kevin Love ends with 21 points, Kyrie Irving pours in 28 points and six assists, Tristan Thompson grabs 20 rebounds and Iman Shumpert had 14 points off the bench. Deandre Liggins was also excellent in his first start in the absence of JR Smith.
Cavaliers improve to 15-5 and welcome the Miami Heat to the Q on Friday.