CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers saw their season come to an end on Wednesday night, dropping Game 5 106-95 against the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Right out of the gates, the Cavs' defense struggled as Jalen Brunson got off to a fast start for the Knicks knocking down 12 points in the first quarter. Brunson would go on to record a team-high 23 points.
Toward the end of the first quarter, the Cavs began to gain some offensive momentum, cutting down a previous 11-point deficit to 33-26 after Issac Okoro made back-to-back buckets.
At halftime, the Cavaliers trailed the Knicks 61-51, due in part to the rebounding woes that continued for the team. The Knicks outrebounded the Cavs 48-30 in the game.
Cleveland's offense saw a glimpse of hope in the third quarter as the team began to climb its way back, going on a 7-0 scoring run to cut the lead to 74-65. Moments later, an Obi Toppin 3-pointer sparked the Knicks' dominant offense, once again.
Another moment of hope ensued for the Cavs as seven points from Darius Garland would cut the Knicks' lead to six points, but New York would push the lead right back to 10.
Offensively, Donovan Mitchell led the team in points with 28, followed by Garland with 21 and Caris LeVert with 17, respectively. A focal point of the Cavaliers' struggles throughout the series was Jarrett Allen's performance, and on Wednesday, the center went without a rebound or basket through the first 14 minutes and finished with just four points and four boards.
The Cavs' elimination from the first round will spark an inevitable offseason conversation regarding possible changes needed in order for this team to contend in future playoff appearances.
RJ Barrett, Brunson, Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickly, and Toppin all scored in double-digits for the Knicks. Prior to heading to the locker room with an ankle injury, Julius Randle also put up 13 points.
With the win, the New York Knicks will advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2013 and just the second time in 20 years. They will play the winner of the Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks series.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video at the top of the story previously aired on 3News on April 21, 2023.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Oct. 27, 2022.