Cavs 125, Knicks 118: Scenes from tank warfare

Were you excited for the New York Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight? How could you not be?

With 27 wins between them, the 13-win Knicks looked like they might beat the 14-win Cavs for the better part of this one. But a furious comeback by the Cavs late in the game —combined with some serious futility from the Knicks — led to the home team coughing up a 14-point lead and the Post-LeBroners picking up a 125-118 win.

But let’s not dwell on the negatives here. Winning felt good these last couple games, sure; but ultimately losses are the fuel of any good tank, and the Knicks just gained another one on a fellow contender for Zion Williamson.

The biggest positive, as usual, was Mitchell Robinson, he of the 12-point, seven-rebound, two-block stat line tonight on 5-5 shooting. Mitch did foul out for the first time in a while, but only because the Knicks started intentionally fouling the Cavs late.

The Blockness Monster put up a relatively pedestrian performance by his standards lately, but still a great game. At times, before the game really got out of the Knicks’ hands late, Mitch looked like the best player out there on either side of the ball. He brought his usual brand of springy put-backs and rebounding.

Can’t forget about Allonzo Trier, though, who likewise continued his recent hot streak with a team-high 22 points on 8-15 shooting. Trier really dug into the bag of tricks tonight, and had some finishes that were reminiscent of his hot play earlier this season.

Surprisingly, for a loss, there was a lot of good performances on the Knicks tonight. Damyean Dotson was another of them, scoring just nine points but dishing a career-high six assists. Oh, and a nice thunder dunk:

Dotson fell on his butt after he got fouled on a dunk attempt in the fourth, and he shot his free throws but then subbed out. Seems like he just has a bruised bum, though.

Some other notables:

• Noah Vonleh had a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards on perfect 7-7 shooting. Definitely his best game in a while.
• Henry Ellenson had 13 points and five boards with three 3-pointers.
• Dennis Smith Jr. had a very quiet 16 points and eight assists.

Kevin Knox and Emmanuel Mudiay... well, let’s just say that those two are your scapegoat candidates for this loss. But it’s almost definitely Knox.

If you feel like commiserating with some people, KnicksFanTV is live. Call up at 657-383-1509. They’ve got some extra panelists tonight!

Miranda’s got your ’cap later.