This game sees the 10-3 Cleveland Cavaliers take on the 7-6 New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden. Cleveland Cavaliers C Zydrunas Ilgauskas PF Ben Wallace SF LeBron James SG Delonte West PG Mo Williams Key Bench Players: Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao, Wally Szczerbiak @ C David Less PF Wilson Chandler SF Quentin Richardson SG Chris Duhon PG Nate Robinson Key Bench Players: Anthony Robinson, Malik Rose, Al Harrington (Q) New York Knicks Cavaliers' Keys to Victory Prevent the Knicks from scoring 100 Play solid defence Run the ball Home Team's Keys to Victory Improve rebounding Play better D Move the ball around and make the extra pass Prediction Since LeBron entered the League, the Cavs and Knicks have played 18 times. The Cavs are leading the series 10-8, and average 96.7 points per game to the Knicks' 93.3 points. LeBron has missed two of the games against the Knicks, and averages 27 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the 16 games he has played. Knicks fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of the player they think might suit up for them come 2010, whilst the Cavs fans want LeBron to show the heart and loyalty of a Cavalier for life. A repeat of his 50 point, 8 rebound, 10 assist performance from his last trip to the Garden would do the trick, and I wouldn't bet against that tonight. The Knicks might have very few available players tonight, due to their recent 2010-cap-clearing-trades, so the Cavs might look to increase the tempo in order to tire out their opponents. However they choose to play, the Cavs, I think, should win, as they have looked strong thus far this season, and I see no reason why that should change against a slightly sub-par Knicks team 102-91
One key is for the Cavs is stopping the Knicks' 3-point barrage. If they can't do that, no matter how poor the Knicks D or rebounding is, it will be difficult for the Cavs to win, IMO. Should be interesting. I can definitely see LeBron trying to repeat his 50 point performance last time.
No way man, I'm a Cavalier for life There were two guys I was really impressed with tonight; Ben Wallace and JJ Hickson. Granted, they were playing an undersized Knicks team, but they showed good hustle and presence on the court. I was really surprised at Ben - I thought he was completely past it but tonight he really showed how valuable he can be. Hickson showed that he can fill in well for the bigs if/when they are injured/traded, so the future for him looks bright. Overall I was very impressed with that performance.
