The New York Knicks were victorious in their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are considered the best teams in the Eastern Conference so this was an early showdown.
The Knicks got off to a great start and led by as many as 17 points, but then the Cavaliers made things interesting thanks to a strong third quarter.
However, the Knicks were able to hold off the Cavs thanks to key contributions all around. Jalen Brunson had 23 points, Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 19 and Miles McBride was huge with 15 points from off the bench.
OG Anunoby was dominant with elite two-way performance
OG Anunoby had a stellar game for the Knicks as he proved to be the true difference maker in this one.
Anunoby recorded a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. For reference Anunoby had only one double-double all of last season.
Anunoby was incredible defensively and he was sharp with his three-point shooting, going 4-for-9 from downtown. He hit an important three with 1:23 left in the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers were threatening to come back only down by five.
Then Anunoby sealed it by deflecting an inbounds pass by the Cavaliers which landed in the hands of Brunson before he issued a half court pass back to Anunoby who finished the play with a reverse jam.
The New York Knicks get an early statement win over the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are considered the favorite to get out of the Eastern Conference.
However, the Knicks were still able to get the win despite being shorthanded in this matchup as both Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson were ruled out.
The Knicks spread the wealth in this game as five players finished in double figures.
All eyes will be on the Knicks this season as they look to reach their first NBA Finals since 1999. This was a great early step in the right direction for them.
