The Knicks made a statement in Round 1. Time for Round 2.
Entering the season, the Knicks and Cavaliers were picked by most to be the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, given the Pacers are without Tyrese Haliburton and Celtics without Jayson Tatum. The door was wide open, most thought, for either side to win the conference and reach the Finals. Anything less would be a disappointment.
The Knicks landed the first blow, beating the Cavaliers 119-111 at Madison Square Garden on Opening Night.
And now here we go again: Knicks versus Cavs in front of a Christmas Day national audience. Jalen Brunson versus Donovan Mitchell making a case as the best guard in the East. Two teams trying to show they have title contender chops.