Mike Jack

CAVS-KNICKS ECF. Predicament: The Knicks’ spacing. The Cavs wont be able to load up as much and if they force the ball out of Brunson’s hands, NY has the weapons to punish. There will be a lot more switching and more selective trapping for both teams. Probably: Cavs’ pick-and-roll game will finally open up with Brunson and KAT on the court. If the Knicks commit to switching and dare the Cavs to out-iso Brunson… I’ll take my odds with Donovan and Harden. Potentially: Mobley/Allen ending the narratives that haunt them from 2023. Before you laugh, just remember that Duren will lose millions on his next contract because of what this front court did to him in round 2. Prediction: The lights were too bright for the Cavs in ‘23, but these aren’t those same Cavs. These Cavs are deeper, more talented, more experienced, and have made huge strides in their deficiencies. We remember Robinson’s offensive rebounds. Now the Cavs lead the playoffs in off reb%. We remember Donovan getting double-teamed 90% of the time. Today if you do that, then your second best defender has to guard James Harden with better spacing. We remember the Cavs’ mental collapses, even in these playoffs! But also, in these playoffs, the Cavs have won games and series they would have lost in the past. I feel good. Cavs in 6 good.

Why I was the lone voter to leave Wemby off 1st Team All-NBA.

Since 1/20, the Knicks (39-13) have nearly the same record as OKC (38-11) and the Spurs (41-12), and rank first in both offensive and defensive efficiency in that span. Maybe this year's Pacers — the team that hits the gas midseason — wasn't Charlotte. Maybe it's the Knicks?

Multiple small guards have made it to the Finals. Becky’s point is that they can’t WIN.