NBA PLAYOFFS

Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Knicks 107-90 to even series

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 08:48 - 19 April 2023

Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 107-90

Darius Garland scored 32 points to lead the Cavs past New York Knicks and tie the playoff series 1-1

Darius Garland scored 32 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against the New York Knicks with a crucial 107-90 victory on Tuesday night.

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Garland leads Cavs past Knicks

Tied up.@betwayusa | #Ad | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 19, 2023

Oh, you wanted more DG-three content? Admin's got you. 🤝@dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/EmIgaARxBN
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 19, 2023

Garland was at the top of his game, pouting in 15 points in the second quarter as Cleveland became a stronger defensive unit forcing nine turnovers on the way to opening a 20-point halftime lead.

Cavs superstar Donovan Mitchell allowed Garland take over while contributing eight assists. His unselfishness allowed the team amass a 20-point halftime lead,

Cavs much improved defense

The Cavs played much better defense than they did in game 1 and kept a tighter rotation as Dean Wade and Ricky Rubio failed to suit up.

Great defense leads to points on the opposite end of the court!#LetEmKnow | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Qt2CidQOKD
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) April 19, 2023

The Cavs were able to keep Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson at bay Tuesday night, never letting him get into a flow on offense. His field goal percentage was less than 30%, but he scored 20 points.

Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics defeated Atlanta Hawks 119-106 to take a 2-0 lead in the series.