The series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks were thought by many as the hardest to call among all matchups in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. As it turned out, it was a lopsided battle that ended with the Knicks winning the series in only five games after taming Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs in Game 5 Wednesday night, 106-95.
It was a mild upset series win for the fifth-seed Knicks over the No. 4 Cavs that is also garnering plenty of reactions from Cleveland and NBA fans on Twitter.
“Despite everything, I love this team more than anything thats not family or friends. I’m sure some of you can relate. I don’t really want to be negative anymore, its just mentally draining. On to next season. We will be better. #LetEmKnow,” tweeted Cavs fan @SexIandCAVS.
One of the major reasons the Cavs lost to New York was the Knicks’ utter dominance on the glass. That was clearly the case in Game 5, with the Knicks coming away with 48 rebounds to just 30 from the Cavs. New York won the rebounding battle in each of its win in the series.
“This series has brought me a whole new appreciation for the rebounding Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson provided to all those Cavs playoff teams,” said Nick Karns.
More reactions:
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 23 points while Donovan Mitchell added 21 points, but both shot inefficiently, combining for 15-for-35 shooting from the floor.
It’s now back to the drawing board for the Cavs, though, they still can be celebrated for having a great season, notwithstanding an early playoff exit.