Mitchell offered a gracious, realistic assessment, giving credit to Cleveland’s opponents for making the right plays while signaling the Cavs will recalibrate their approach. The pivotal moment came in the third quarter, when Josh Hart erupted for five three-pointers on his way to a playoff career-high 26 points and seven assists, masking a quiet first half by Jalen Brunson. Brunson responded with a playoff-best 14 assists, feeding Hart as Cleveland overloaded on him, which sparked an 18-0 Knicks run that sealed the game.
With the series shifting to Cleveland, the Cavaliers face an 0-2 hole against a Knicks team riding momentum and disciplined execution. Mitchell’s measured postgame remarks underscore a focus on film study and adjustments, acknowledging Cleveland’s need to disrupt Hart and replicate the early-game defensive adjustments that initially limited him.
Key takeaways:
– Knicks take 2-0 series lead behind Josh Hart’s playoff career-high 26 points and 7 assists; Jalen Brunson adds 14 assists.
– Donovan Mitchell highlights the need for adjustments in how Hart is defended, comparing to other series and praising opponents’ timely shots.
– The third-quarter run (18-0) and a weak second half (44 points for Cleveland) were decisive in Game 2, setting up a competitive series move to Cleveland.
