With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers dealing with devastating injuries, the time is now for the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers to make some noise.
Last season, Cleveland finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, and the Knicks made it all the way to the Conference Finals. Both teams are bringing back their core of stars, and they are certainly the frontrunners.
The Knicks, by nature of playing in the Big Apple, get more than their fair share of media coverage. The Cavs, on the other hand, seem to be flying under the radar.
Even with all eyes on New York, they have three key advantages over Cleveland.
GettyOG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks is defended by Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Knicks Have a Better Playoff Track Record
Last season, both New York and Cleveland were eliminated by the Pacers. The year prior, in the 2024 postseason, both teams lost in the second round.
Neither team has the best track record in the postseason, although Donovan Mitchell’s career has been defined by a lack of playoff success.
“Cleveland hasn’t proved nickel in big games yet, so that’s a factor,” said SportsNet New York’s John Harper on October 10. “I like the roster as well. Listen, it’s the second kind of a full year for most of these guys playing together. I would think it’s going to be better overall.”
Last year was the third season of Cleveland’s core. Evan Mobley is continuing to improve, although the Knicks are more polished and have a deeper team, especially after their busy offseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns, like Mitchell, has yet to lead a team to the Finals. The Knicks, however, are in a position to truly maximize him.
GettyMitchell Robinson #23 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks celebrate after a play during the first half in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Robinson and Yabusele to Round Out Knicks
Mitchell Robinson is healthy. Let that sink in: Mitchell Robinson, one of the best paint presences in the NBA, is healthy.
Even if he wasn’t, the Knicks added the most physically dominant undersized forward in the NBA this summer, signing Guerschon Yabusele.
In short, the Knicks can always have two high-level rebounders (three if you count Josh Hart) on the floor at a time without sacrificing shooting.
“I think it’s going to give Towns a little more freedom,” predicted Harper of Robinson and Yabusele. They brought in Guerschon Yabusele, big body, you know, and I think that’s going to help him. And Mitchell Robinson, if he can stay healthy, I think that frees up Towns to play a little bit more. He likes to play outside. We know that. I just think this team has a lot of potential that they didn’t quite get to last year.”
If Mike Brown can maximize his rotations, keep his players fresh, and avoid the injury bug, there’s a great chance the Knicks can win their first title in 53 years.
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