Knicks believe they’re built even better to slow Donovan Mitchell, Cavs

The Knicks have seen this movie before.

Only now, they think they’re better equipped for it.

New York heads into the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers carrying plenty of confidence after knocking Cleveland out of the playoffs three years ago.

Back then, the Knicks entered the series as underdogs. This time, many are picking them to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

Still, nobody inside the locker room is pretending the matchup is the same.

“Obviously that being my first playoff series with this team was special, but we’re far removed from that,” Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said, via the New York Post. “I think both teams are different.”

He’s right.

The Cavs added James Harden at midseason, giving them another elite creator alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland’s offense became more dangerous afterward, finishing among the league’s best in clutch rating and offensive efficiency.

But the Knicks believe they’ve upgraded, too.

Three years ago, New York didn’t have OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges. Now it has two long, physical defenders capable of making life miserable for opposing guards.

Bridges, in particular, has been a menace throughout the postseason.

He helped bother Tyrese Maxey into a rough second-round series against Philadelphia after helping contain Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Round 1. Josh Hart also drew praise for his work chasing shooters and making opposing backcourts uncomfortable.

Now comes Mitchell.

Back in the 2023 series, the Knicks held Cleveland nearly 18 points below its regular-season scoring average. Mitchell exploded for 38 points in Game 1, but New York adjusted afterward and largely kept him under control the rest of the way.

“I’m a good defender,” Hart said Monday. “And as a competitor, you want to have tough matchups like that to compete against the best.”

Mitchell is still producing this postseason, averaging 25.6 points per game, though his three-point shot hasn’t fully clicked yet.

The bigger concern for New York may actually be Harden.

Even at 37, the former MVP remains capable of controlling stretches offensively, despite the playoff criticism that has followed him for years. He’s averaging 20.1 points and 6.2 assists this postseason, though turnovers continue to be an issue.

Brunson understands exactly what Harden adds to the equation.

“He’s able to create a lot of offense for them,” Brunson said. “It’s like a pressure release for Donovan, as well.”

That’s what makes this series feel different than the last one.

The Knicks believe they can defend Cleveland’s stars better than most teams. The Cavs believe they finally have enough firepower to punish defenses that overload on Mitchell.

Something’s gotta give.