3 Cavaliers to blame for frustrating Game 1 loss to Knicks

3 Cavaliers to blame for Game 1 loss to Knicks

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 101-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J. B. Bickerstaff. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

Cavaliers to blame for Game 1 loss to Knicks, No. 2: Cavaliers bench

To win games, especially in the playoffs, you need your bench to contribute adequately. The Knicks experienced just that, as their bench of Obi Toppin, Isaiah Hartenstein, Immanuel Quickley, and Josh Hart scored 37 total points while shooting 13-of-23 from the field. Hart led the way with 17 points, making 8-of-11 shots, while also grabbing 10 rebounds to secure the double-double.

Then, there was the Cavaliers bench.

Running with a bench of Dean Wade, Cedi Osman, Ricky Rubio and Caris LeVert, they were only able to put up a grand total of 14 points. That’s right, 14 points while making 4-of-13 shots. Again, another unacceptable performance for the Cavaliers. Considering the fact that Cleveland lost by just four points, it makes the performance from the bench look even worse.

Look, it’s fine when your superstar player has a legitimately fantastic performance, but if they do so and still lose, you nitpick at what went wrong. The inability to put up points by the bench loomed large.

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