NEW YORK — Three days after fighting back with a solid postseason performance, the Cavaliers have come right back to earth with a crashing thud.
Cleveland's offense fell apart and put up a season-low point total Friday night in a 99-79 Game 3 playoff loss to the New York Knicks at basketball's Holy Mecca of Madison Square Garden. The Wine and Gold now trail the best-of-seven first-round series 2-1.
Virtually from the opening tip, both teams showed the same gritty defensive style that has been a focal point of this matchup, but the Cavs looked particularly out of rhythm by shooting just 38.8% from the field. Darius Garland was a desolate 4 of 21, and Caris LeVert missed his first six attempts after replacing Isaac Okoro in the starting lineup.
While the Knicks also found themselves slogging along early, they eventually seized momentum in the second half and never trailed over the final 32 minutes. Jalen Brunson led the way with 21 points and six assists, and RJ Barrett scored 19 along with eight rebounds.
Many of the issues that sunk the Cavaliers in Game 1 returned with more force tonight, especially when it came to their shaky bench. Cleveland's reserves mustered just 14 points, compared to 39 for New York.
Once again with their backs against the wall, the Cavs will take the floor at MSG again Sunday afternoon for Game 4, needing a win to avoid coming home next week facing elimination.