2023 EC Round 1: (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) New York Knicks

[insidehoops]

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. New York Knicks (5)

• Game 1: Knicks 101, Cavaliers 97
• Game 2: Cavaliers 107, Knicks 90
• Game 3: Knicks 99, Cavaliers 79
• Game 4: Knicks 102, Cavaliers 93
• Game 5: Knicks 106, Cavaliers 95

Knicks win series 4-1

Predictions? Who you got?

Discuss each game live right here.

[Im Still Ballin]

Cavs in 7.

[Meticode]

Cavs in 7, but I think it can go either way. Knicks@Cavs should be the most entertaining first round matchup in the East on paper. Plus you got the whole Cavs coming in at the last second to steal Donovan Mitchell thing too.

Jarrett Allen
Evan Mobley
Isaac Okoro
Donovan Mitchell
Darius Garland
Chris LeVert

vs

Mitchell Robinson
Julius Randle
R.J. Barrett
Quentin Grimes
Jalen Brunson
Immanuel Quickly

[Meticode]

Two biggest keys for the Cavs. Can Allen+Mobley stay on the floor and not be injured? Can Okoro consistently knock down open threes because he's going to get his open looks.

[Axe]

Hopefully the cavs beat the *****. I want to see that fat ass chewing cry.

[ShawkFactory]

Cavs in 5

[D-Wait]

My Cavs in 6 :pimp:

[Nike D'Antoni]

I will be shocked if Cavs ever win a playoff series without Lebron. The last time they won with no Lebron was 1993.

[Manny98]

Playoff Mitchell is one of the most exciting players to watch

I believe the Cavs can go deep with this team

[fsvr54]

Knicks win this. Jalen Brunson will show he's better than Mitchell.

[Kblaze8855]

Every time I hear Hubies voice I’m surprised he’s still doing it.

[Proctor]

Every time I hear Hubies voice I’m surprised he’s still doing it.
I could listen to him all day. Never gets tiring.

[Street Hunger]

Knicks up 9-2.

[imdaman99]

Great start :pimp:

[Street Hunger]

I could listen to him all day. Never gets tiring.

Hubie Brown is great to listen to. So much insight.

[imdaman99]

So far RJ jacking up 3s, Randle jacking up 3s, Robinson unable to protect the paint

[Street Hunger]

Not sure what to think yet.

Both teams still adjusting to playoff level.

[imdaman99]

I'll take it. It's a frenetic pace for 2 good defensive teams but there's some early game jitters too, not used to seeing brunson put up a brick

[Street Hunger]

Feels like an even matchup. So far.

As the seeds suggest they should.

[Street Hunger]

Best Knicks team in... how long?

[D-Wait]

Sick layup by Mitchell. He somehow always finishes those tough layups in traffic.

[RRR3]

If Randle is gonna hit some of the shots he’s hit, it could be a long night for his defender.

[imdaman99]

Why no tech on Mitchell for pushing Randle? Knicks better be allowed the same leeway

[D-Wait]

Mitchell carrying the Cavs, damn...

Bench needs to step up in the 2nd half.

[RRR3]

Playoff Mitchell is back. Xiao raging

[D-Wait]

5 point game after really struggling on offense except for Mitchell, I'll take it.

[Axe]

They should bounce back in 2nd half.

[Meticode]

Not looking good for the Cavs when the bench is shooting 1/8 combined and Brunson got in foul trouble only playing 9 minutes in the first half and you're still down by 5 at home.

[D-Wait]

Thibs calling a TO 1 minute into the half. Hubie Brown: "Good timeout" :facepalm

It's not like the Cavs went on a 10-0 run :oldlol:

[Axe]

Thibs calling a TO 1 minute into the half. Hubie Brown: "Good timeout" :facepalm

It's not like the Cavs went on a 10-0 run :oldlol:
Don't know what's funnier, this or nick nurse during game 5 of the 2019 finals. :lol

[imdaman99]

Knicks really blew their load in the 1st quarter lol they can't shoot for shit right now

[D-Wait]

Terrible call on that Mitchell 3. Hart didn't touch him and also wasn't in the landing area :facepalm

[D-Wait]

Cavs have no chance if Mobley and/or the bench don't step up.

[imdaman99]

Randle is who he is... he ain't good lol thibs doesn't have the balls to keep Toppin in the game. I knew Randle was gonna come back and ruin all momentum

[RRR3]

Orange Foolius cmon son

[RRR3]

Randle is who he is... he ain't good lol thibs doesn't have the balls to keep Toppin in the game. I knew Randle was gonna come back and ruin all momentum
Pretty impossible to argue Randle isn’t good but he’s certainly frustrating.

[D-Wait]

Cavs with only 1 timeout left with 10 minutes remaining :facepalm

[D-Wait]

Mobley :facepalm :facepalm

[D-Wait]

Mitchell is just amazing.

[L8krH8tr]

Knicks offense is atrocious at times. 1 vs 5 type shit. Cavs deserve to win

[Proctor]

Knicks feeling the pressure now so expect some Randle stepbacks aplenty soon :lol

Mitchell :bowdown:

[90sgoat]

Cavs are talented as fukk.

If they don't **** up, they should be looking at many years of deep playoff runs.

[D-Wait]

WOW. If the Cavs dig this win out in the end...

[RRR3]

Mitchell is just amazing.
But Toody was better :yaohappy:

[90sgoat]

But Toody was better :yaohappy:

Did Mitchell ever want to be in Utah? With Toady?

Did he play down deliberately?

[Proctor]

Brunson is incredible

[red1]

mavs crying at home watching brunson

[D-Wait]

Game. :facepalm

[90sgoat]

mavs crying at home watching brunson

Yeah

[bluechox2]

brunson and the harts bros took over

[bluechox2]

cavs front line overrated

[90sgoat]

Brunson is a legit leader.

Mavs were lucky to have him. Might have been more important to the locker room than I believed. Should have done much more to keep him.

[Meticode]

I'm willing to bet this is the first game in Garland's career where he played at least 43 minutes and only had 1 assist all game. Mobley struggled, bench sucked. Expected loss for me honestly with those things happening.

Edit: Great to see the Knicks winning though even being a Cavs fan.

[Street Hunger]

Josh Hart outscored and outrebounded the entire Cavs bench.

Knicks up 1-0 in series.

[bluechox2]

josh harts hustle is next level...lol portland

[D-Wait]

cavs front line overrated

This. Mobley is far away from being a dominant frontcourt player on offense.

Mitchell can only do so much. He bailed the Cavs out in every other game this season.

Others need to step up. How is Garland not attempting a shot in the 2nd half? :facepalm

[Meticode]

Josh Hart outscored and outrebounded the entire Cavs bench.

Knicks up 1-0 in series.

Ugh. Yep, that cannot happen if the Cavs are to win, but honestly it doesn't surprise me. LeVert is usually streaky and past him the bench is average at best.

[bluechox2]

This. Mobley is far away from being a dominant frontcourt player on offense.

Mitchell can only do so much. He bailed the Cavs out in every other game this season.

Others need to step up. How is Garland not attempting a shot in the 2nd half? :facepalm

garland growth stunted...thats y

[Axe]

Damn, cavs fell short of a comeback. Outside mitchell and levert, the new guys rt are probably still trying to get a grasp of their very first game in the playoffs.

[Nike D'Antoni]

I will be shocked if Cavs ever win a playoff series without Lebron. The last time they won with no Lebron was 1993.

Feeling stronger with the game 1 loss for Cavs.

[imdaman99]

Pretty impossible to argue Randle isn’t good but he’s certainly frustrating.

He IS good... but he has a short ceiling. He is as frustrating as it gets and I've been rooting for one of the most frustrating dudes his entire career :lol

[imdaman99]

brunson and the harts bros took over

It's the Hart foundation <3 I like that name more even though I'm not a wrestling guy

[Hey Yo]

It's the Hart foundation <3 I like that name more even though I'm not a wrestling guy

Jim "the Anvil" >>>>>>


Josh ruled in tonight after injury in gm1

[90sgoat]

This is a surprisingly entertaining matchup.

I feel both teams have unique identities and styles of play.

Brunson vs Mitchell.

Bigs battle.

Lots of young role players.

[bison]

This is a surprisingly entertaining matchup.

How is it surprising? :oldlol: Obv these teams are well matched up but you haven’t been paying attention if you were expecting the Knicks in particular to be boring. They have had a lot of exciting games this season

[90sgoat]

How is it surprising? :oldlol: Obv these teams are well matched up but you haven’t been paying attention if you were expecting the Knicks in particular to be boring. They have had a lot of exciting games this season

I haven't watched a single Knicks game entire season, but happy to see Brunson doing well.

Cavs are something else though, they could be a dynasty.

[D-Wait]

I haven't watched a single Knicks game entire season, but happy to see Brunson doing well.

Cavs are something else though, they could be a dynasty.

Nah, we are far away of being a serious Finals contender/championship team, let alone being a dynasty.

Mobley must develop into an all-star caliber, we still need an Andrew Wiggins type of player at SF and a much better bench.

[90sgoat]

Nah, we are far away of being a serious Finals contender/championship team, let alone being a dynasty.

Mobley must develop into an all-star caliber, we still need an Andrew Wiggins type of player at SF and a much better bench.

What I mean by dynasty is more that you have a homegrown base and a clear identity. It's very similar to GSW and Spurs. Plug and play, just needs Garland to become a star or maybe trade him for an actual star. Luka?

[D-Wait]

What I mean by dynasty is more that you have a homegrown base and a clear identity. It's very similar to GSW and Spurs. Plug and play, just needs Garland to become a star or maybe trade him for an actual star. Luka?

OK, got it. Luka doesn't solve our problems. We need a wing who can play defense.

[90sgoat]

OK, got it. Luka doesn't solve our problems. We need a wing who can play defense.

Does Lavert have trade value? Imo the weakest link.

[Meticode]

Pretty sure this is Garland's career high in a half. 26

[Meticode]

It's a line to walk because the Cavs biggest weakness is their offensive bench threat and he's the only legit option off the bench. Plus it's incredibly nice if Mitchell or Garland is out of the game and you can just plug LeVert into the lineup.

I think he has value. He's a solid third or fourth option.

[D-Wait]

Does Lavert have trade value? Imo the weakest link.

Nope, I don't think so.

But his playmaking is much needed in the 2nd unit, he's not the chucker he often is seen as. I'm not sure if I would give up on him yet.

[90sgoat]

Damn, seeing Ernie and Shaq looking more and more grandpa level with each year.:( Time flies.

[90sgoat]

Nope, I don't think so.

But his playmaking is much needed in the 2nd unit, he's not the chucker he often is seen as. I'm not sure if I would give up on him yet.

Yeah I see him as a chucker, but scoring off the bench is also hard to find.

[RRR3]

Nah, we are far away of being a serious Finals contender/championship team, let alone being a dynasty.

Mobley must develop into an all-star caliber, we still need an Andrew Wiggins type of player at SF and a much better bench.
I can think of a SF who would help :lol

Just got to fire Gilbert :yaohappy:

[D-Wait]

I can think of a SF who would help :lol

Just got to fire Gilbert :yaohappy:

I actually thought it was shaping up that way with the Lakers sucking and Cavs having enough cap space this year :lol :lol

Then Lebron signed his extension and the Mitchell trade happened.

[90sgoat]

Maybe get DFS from Brooklyn once they tank next season.

[D-Wait]

Yeah I see him as a chucker, but scoring off the bench is also hard to find.

He had many high assists games for the Cavs this season. But yeah, he sometimes goes into tunnel vision chucker mode.

[RRR3]

I actually thought it was shaping up that way with the Lakers sucking and Cavs having enough cap space this year :lol :lol

Then Lebron signed his extension and the Mitchell trade happened.
I would much prefer it had, I hate seeing him in that shitty ass organization :facepalm

[Meticode]

What happened to Okoro?

[90sgoat]

What a pass from Brunson

[D-Wait]

Maybe get DFS from Brooklyn once they tank next season.

Yeah, someone like him who can defend and isn't a liability on offense would be nice. (Although Okoro slightly improved his shot)

[D-Wait]

What happened to Okoro?

Resting him because of his knee? Since the Cavs are up 20.

And because Levert and Green are playing well.

[Meticode]

Don't know. App says he played only two minutes.

[bison]

I would much prefer it had, I hate seeing him in that shitty ass organization :facepalm

Lol you are literally a cuck. “Oh no my favorite player whom I love and cherish is cavorting with the top dog franchise that I hate so much. Oh no I hope they don’t win a championship together” and then that’s when you turn your camcorder on in anticipation

[D-Wait]

Don't know. App says he played only two minutes.

Ah, you're not watching? He was in foul trouble early and then Green/Levert were playing really well.

[Meticode]

Gotcha. If it's not broken don't fix it.

[SATAN]

My god they play some trash music at these games. And it's not subjective.

[imdaman99]

Well, let's see how Knick role players do at home. They haven't been good in Cleveland outside of Hart foundation game 1.

[Proctor]

Thibs needs to be put out to pasture. Annoying ****.

[D-Wait]

How is that a flagrant? Soft ass league. :facepalm

[imdaman99]

I love hustle plays that injure players. We need more of that shit. Let's have defensive players start taking out 1st and 2nd options of the other teams

[D-Wait]

I love hustle plays that injure players. We need more of that shit. Let's have defensive players start taking out 1st and 2nd options of the other teams

Dude. Allen isn't a dirty player. He literally tried to block the shot.

It's playoff basketball, you don't give up easy points regardless of the score. :facepalm

[Axe]

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/sdHA5X8as4Y

[Manny98]

Mitchell has been absolutely incredible the first two games as expected

One of the best playoff performers of this generation

The Anti-Harden

[Axe]

Mitchell has been absolutely incredible the first two games as expected

One of the best playoff performers of this generation

The Anti-Harden
This will trigger xiao.

[fsvr54]

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/sdHA5X8as4Y

Brunson's face :lol

[Manny98]

Is Garland drunk wtf is he doing:oldlol:

[Kblaze8855]

45-32 at the half?

Smells like the 90s in here.

[Jasper]

55 points by Cav's end of third qtr /// shit shows I don't watch .

[Axe]

Mitchell and co. got to step up next game.

[Meticode]

Jeez, Garland comes off one of his best games ever to going 4/21 in the next game. His worse.

[Manny98]

The playoffs allowing more psychical defense has benefited the Knicks more than any team

Still sticking with Cavs in 7

[BurningHammer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iu9rjWt_Qo

At it only is 2-1. Imagine Knicks wins the series.

[imdaman99]

Garland is def the key to this series. Mitchell is gonna get his, he might even have one of his 40 pt games but if they can contain Garland, they should win the series.

[imdaman99]

I love me some hart. Dude is the ultimate glue guy

Garland struggling again, guessing he is way better at home than on the road

[imdaman99]

Deuce playing some lockdown D on Mitchell and if quickley could get his head out of his ass, Knicks would be blowing them out

[Im Still Ballin]

New York and LA in the second round of the playoffs. Great for the game if it happens. I think 2000, 2001, or 2002 was the last time it happened.

[imdaman99]

Electric crowd :banana: :banana: :banana:

[bison]

Knicks are damn scrappy

[Manny98]

The Knicks aren't like that come on Cavs :facepalm

[bluechox2]

lol dallas

[Manny98]

Yep that's the Knicks I know :oldlol:

[imdaman99]

Yep cavs go as far as garland will take them. He actually makes everyone better, Mitchell makes them worse. I've said it lol

[Manny98]

Garland :bowdown:

[Manny98]

Yep cavs go as far as garland will take them. He actually makes everyone better, Mitchell makes them worse. I've said it lol

Mitchell has transformed the Cavs from one of the worst offenses in the NBA to one of the best

I agree Garland is the MVP of the team but Mitchell certainly doesn't make them worse

[imdaman99]

Mitchell has transformed the Cavs from one of the worst offenses in the NBA to one of the best

I agree Garland is the MVP of the team but Mitchell certainly doesn't make them worse

I didn't mean that Mitchell makes the team as a whole worse, he's a superstar and can carry. I meant that he doesn't make any of the individual players better. I've seen games where he ignores his entire team, I've seen games where Mobley doesn't get touches. He's not a point guard so it's not his job, but who exactly does he have good chemistry with?

[Real Men Wear Green]

With disgust I admit that the Knicks are not their normal pathetic selves this year. I very much blame and am upset with the Mavericks for letting them steal Brunson.

[RRR3]

Garland is not better than Mitchell. Stop being so reactionary

[Real Men Wear Green]

I didn't mean that Mitchell makes the team as a whole worse, he's a superstar and can carry. I meant that he doesn't make any of the individual players better. I've seen games where he ignores his entire team, I've seen games where Mobley doesn't get touches. He's not a point guard so it's not his job, but who exactly does he have good chemistry with?

The hoop. Normally. Every team needs a guy that can put it in the basket. Knicks are giving him a rough time though. This is annoying.

[imdaman99]

Bruh cmon Brunson pass the ball. Give up the Luka tendencies

[Manny98]

Spike Lee looking old af how old is he now like 70?

[imdaman99]

RJ doing well, I never thought I'd see the day. Brings a tear to my eyes

:lebronamazed:

[Manny98]

Mitchell :facepalm

[dazzer87]

Mitchell back to being trash again….:lol

[imdaman99]

This the best defense I've seen anyone play on Mitchell. Hart, RJ, obi, hartenstein, full team effort. Not to mention deuce in the 1 st half

[Real Men Wear Green]

Josh Hart is the kind of quality roleplayer the Knicks should not have. Hopefully he is on a different team next year.

[Proctor]

Randle is so shit when it matters.

Toppin needs to start

[Axe]

Damn, cavs are doomed. :eek:

[imdaman99]

Josh Hart is the kind of quality roleplayer the Knicks should not have. Hopefully he is on a different team next year.

He wants to be a knick you sob :mad: he loves his boy Brunson

[Im Still Ballin]

No Rudy? Big problems. I guess D-Mitch has got a 'sitch on his hands.

[Proctor]

No Rudy? Big problems. I guess D-Mitch has got a 'sitch on his hands.
No Bojan, big problem!

[imdaman99]

Randle is so shit when it matters.

Toppin needs to start

Lol I agree with you there but that'll never happen. Hart starting was the key I think, he guarded Mitchell from the start and never let him get going.

[ShawkFactory]

The Cavs’ lack of depth is being exposed a little bit here. Levert should not be starting a playoff game.

[Im Still Ballin]

Imagine how dope Miami/Milwaukee vs. New York is going to be. The Knicks have a legitimate shot to make the ECF.

Exciting times in the Big Apple!

[dazzer87]

Mitchell…..2points in the 2nd half……:lol

[Real Men Wear Green]

He wants to be a knick you sob :mad: he loves his boy Brunson

Everyone wants to be in New York I'm sure but he makes 19mil. Knicks are going to be trading for our creating cap space for a superstar because that's what the Knicks do. Been Simmons may be available just include Rose or Fournier and do whatever else to make the money match.

Just trying to see that a great franchise like the Knicks gets the potential superstar they deserve. Knicks hopefully get my advice and act on this unique opportunity.

[bluechox2]

Brown will be a knick.. you heard it here first…

[Real Men Wear Green]

Brown will be a knick.. you heard it here first…

Hubie Brown is kind of old to be resuming his coaching career but I wish him good luck.

[imdaman99]

Brown will be a knick.. you heard it here first…

Facts. Randle and some picks for Jaylen. Knicks finally get that superstar, how you like that RMWG??!!

[Xiao Yao You]

Mitchell back to being trash again….:lol

when was he not?

[Real Men Wear Green]

Facts. Randle and some picks for Jaylen. Knicks finally get that superstar, how you like that RMWG??!!

I'm sensing some hostility.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Cavs’ lack of depth is being exposed a little bit here. Levert should not be starting a playoff game.

Lauri, Agbaji, Sexton and the 3 firsts say hi! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Randle is so shit when it matters.

Toppin needs to start

any big can do it!

[Xiao Yao You]

This the best defense I've seen anyone play on Mitchell. Hart, RJ, obi, hartenstein, full team effort. Not to mention deuce in the 1 st half

just double him. He's not going to pass the ball

[bluechox2]

Brunson leading this team..what a difference…

[Xiao Yao You]

Brunson leading this team..what a difference…

dodged a bullet not getting Mitchell

[Chuckbe]

Mitchell has been absolutely incredible the first two games as expected

One of the best playoff performers of this generation

The Anti-Harden

:roll:

[Manny98]

:roll:

One bad game chill, he'll drop 40 next game

[Xiao Yao You]

One bad game chill, he'll drop 40 next game

but how many will he give up at the other end?

[ArbitraryWater]

Cavs fighting for their season!

[Axe]

Damn, nyk wrapping this series up. :facepalm

[imdaman99]

Mitchell Robinson dominating on the boards :lebronamazed:

[bison]

Happy for da knicks. First series win in 10 years.

[imdaman99]

Wasn't pretty but happy to be relevant come playoffs again. That series against the Hawks left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Good to see that Knicks don't rely on Randle as much, next man up mentality. OBIIIIIIII. I know he didn't close but Quick was hitting his shots and playing great D, knew he would eventually wake up.

[Chuckbe]

One bad game chill, he'll drop 40 next game

:roll:

[Axe]

Cleveland just tallied their scores from their last rs game. :lebronamazed:

95-106 also happened against the hornets weeks earlier.

[Wally450]

Happy for da knicks. First series win in 10 years.

I'm surprised more Knicks fans don't razz Celtics fans about how they ended the championship team era.

[Meticode]

Props to the Knicks. Cavs have a lot of learning to do. One or two pieces away.

[Xiao Yao You]

where's Mitchell headed? Cavs need a bigger back court. Manny's MVP with his ever efficient 28 on 26 shots and losing as the higher seed two years in a row

[bluechox2]

Heat gonna eat ass

[Meticode]

where's Mitchell headed? Cavs need a bigger back court. Manny's MVP with his ever efficient 28 on 26 shots and losing as the higher seed two years in a row

He'd have to get traded. His player option doesn't come into effect until the 25-26 season and he's not an UFA until 26-27.

[coin24]

What a surprise, hogovan Mitchell sucks:lol

What happened to all the diehard cavs fans that used to post on here?:roll:

[Manny98]

Cavs are really missing Love this series

Mobley and Allen are terrible fit on offense, Mobley works best as a 5 in today's NBA

Mitchell and Garland are also a bad fit as they both need the ball in their hands

Oh well it is what it is, can't believe the ****ing Knicks are going past the first round :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

He'd have to get traded. His player option doesn't come into effect until the 25-26 season and he's not an UFA until 26-27.

Knicks wanted him. I'm sure someone else will take him

[Xiao Yao You]

Cavs are really missing Love this series

Mobley and Allen are terrible fit on offense, Mobley works best as a 5 in today's NBA

Mitchell and Garland are also a bad fit as they both need the ball in their hands

Oh well it is what it is, can't believe the ****ing Knicks are going past the first round :facepalm

Always funny. It was just one game and he was gonna drop 40 on the Knicks. :lol

[BallsOut]

Wasn't pretty but happy to be relevant come playoffs again. That series against the Hawks left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Good to see that Knicks don't rely on Randle as much, next man up mentality. OBIIIIIIII. I know he didn't close but Quick was hitting his shots and playing great D, knew he would eventually wake up.

Happy for you bro. Knicks have a solid team. Guys like Hart and Brunson have been huge additions. As was my man Randle. They have a lot of heart these Knicks.

[Manny98]

Always funny. It was just one game and he was gonna drop 40 on the Knicks. :lol
Yes he let me down massively this series not making any excuses for him

[Xiao Yao You]

Yes he let me down massively this series not making any excuses for him

this one's on you. Mitchell is the same player he's always been

[BurningHammer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GN6eDoW4Ww

[Axe]

Always funny. It was just one game and he was gonna drop 40 on the Knicks. :lol
What's funnier is how you raved about gobert's h2h rs record against jokic. Even though it translated very little to none in the playoffs recently. :kobe:

[Axe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GN6eDoW4Ww
@0:25 is that Patrick Chewing on the far right wearing a black jacket while doing a video? :biggums:

[WhiteKyrie]

Cleveland and D-Mitch were so disappointing this series. Wow.

[fsvr54]

Cleveland and D-Mitch were so disappointing this series. Wow.

It's known that Mitchell isn't that good. So what is surprising?

[Axe]

It's known that Mitchell isn't that good. So what is surprising?
So is trae young. :kobe:

[tontoz]

It is amazing to me that the Knicks have made themselves relevant through......i can't believe i am saying this......good management. They haven't gotten lucky in the lottery or landed a top tier free agent, yet here they are. The Brunson and Hart aquisitions have been A+ moves.

[WhiteKyrie]

It's known that Mitchell isn't that good. So what is surprising?

He had a fantastic all nba regular season, numb nuts. Under performs in playoffs now as a trend (or FIBA) yes. But it’s still disappointing of a showing.