After eight days of rest, the New York Knicks will play in their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, this time against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Most fans would’ve expected a postseason rematch with the Detroit Pistons, but now have to look towards the first playoff opponent in the Jalen Brunson era.

The Cavs have been a middle-of-the-road defensive team overall, ranking 15th in defensive rating during the regular season and eighth in the playoffs. 

New York has both exposed and been susceptible to advantageous player-to-player matchups this postseason; which one can turn the tide for either team?

Jalen Brunson

In the 2023 bout, the Knicks took advantage of Cleveland’s lack of perimeter defensive talent by getting Darius Garland and Cedi Osman on Brunson. Between those two, Brunson averaged 38 and 32 points per 75 possessions against each.

Garland was traded for Harden in a one-for-one at the deadline. Good news for the Knicks, because Brunson has historically dominated a Harden matchup since coming to New York.

Since 2023, Jalen Brunson has averaged 29.7 points per 75 possessions against Harden on 55.8% true shooting. 

This season alone, he’s averaged 38.7 points on 72.7%.

Cleveland will more than likely open with Dean Wade on Brunson, as he’s been one of the best in the league at limiting the Captain. 

Since 2023, Brunson averages just 11.6 points on 31.3% against Wade, and 8.6 points on 17.0% in 52 possessions this season.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Cleveland has one of the more intimidating frontcourts in the NBA, with teams not attempting much inside against them.

Karl-Anthony Towns himself has not played well against the Cavs this season, averaging just south of 15 points in three games.

Both Mobley and Allen have played him very well, so continuing to play him as a facilitator rather than a scorer would be better. 

Towns has averaged more assists this postseason than his last three combined, currently sitting at 6.6. 

Since his conversation with Mike Brown, he’s averaging 8.0 over seven games where the Knicks are undefeated.

OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby hasn’t played since Game 2 vs the 76ers, where he sustained a minor hamstring injury.

His matchup data is easily the most shocking; Donovan Mitchell was the defender he saw the third most this season, but did not score against him a single time.

That’s not a mistake; in 64 possessions, Anunoby averages 0 points against Donovan Mitchell and has only attempted three shots.

If Mitchell is on him, Anunoby has to have the green light to shoot with that much of a size advantage. He’s shooting a ridiculous 50% from 3-point with almost five attempts per game.

Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson will be the ultimate X-Factor for the Knicks in this series. 

Robinson absolutely took over Games 4 and 5 of the 2023 series against Cleveland, grabbing 11 and 18 rebounds while averaging 2.5 blocks. 

This season has been no different, as he’s averaged 14.5 rebounds in the two games he played against the Cavs. 

The most important: Robinson grabbed eight offensive rebounds in both games, almost more than the entire Cavaliers team.

If he continues this level of dominance against Allen and Mobley on the glass, there’s no telling what the Knicks could do with that many second and third chances.