The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers have been circling each other ever since their 2023 playoff clash, a series that saw the Knicks impose their will in just five games. That matchup marked Cleveland’s first postseason run with their current core, and it ended with a bruising reminder of how physical playoff basketball can be.
Since then, the two teams haven’t met in the postseason again, but the rivalry hasn’t cooled. Cleveland has taken five of the last eight regular-season meetings, and with both squads continuing to build around their young stars, there’s a growing sense that another playoff showdown could be looming. But in the East, nothing is guaranteed-especially when teams like Philadelphia are throwing new wrinkles into the mix.
Philly’s Blueprint: A New Way to Attack the Knicks
In a recent matchup, the 76ers may have quietly handed Cleveland a tactical edge. Philadelphia ran the same action seven straight times against New York: an empty-side pick-and-roll between Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
It’s a simple but deadly look-one that isolates Embiid with room to operate in face-up situations where he’s nearly unstoppable. And if the defense collapses on him, Maxey has a clear path to the rim.
The Cavs have the personnel to mimic that action. Swapping in Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell for Maxey and Evan Mobley for Embiid gives Cleveland a similar dynamic.
Mobley has shown steady improvement in face-up scenarios, especially when he has space to work. Giving him an empty side clears out the clutter and lets him use his length and touch to attack the paint.
It’s not just about X’s and O’s, though. Philly’s backcourt of Maxey and rookie V.J.
Edgecombe has been a handful for the Knicks, and their blend of speed, athleticism, and strength has exposed cracks in New York’s perimeter defense. That’s the kind of backcourt profile that has historically given the Knicks trouble-particularly when Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are sharing the floor and the defense is stretched thin.
Mitchell, Garland, and the Knicks Problem
If there’s one duo that knows how to light up New York, it’s Mitchell and Garland. Over the past two seasons, they’ve consistently found ways to carve up the Knicks’ defense. Their most recent statement came on Christmas Day, where they combined for 54 points and 16 assists-reminding everyone that Cleveland’s backcourt can go toe-to-toe with anyone when they’re clicking.
This season, the Cavs and Knicks have split two tightly contested games. But it’s worth noting that Cleveland wasn’t at full strength in the first meeting. When healthy, they’ve shown they have the offensive versatility and firepower to challenge New York’s physical defense.
Now, with Philadelphia offering a fresh schematic wrinkle that could further stress the Knicks’ defensive structure, Cleveland may have another tool in the toolbox. If these two teams cross paths again in the postseason, don’t be surprised if the Cavs lean into that empty-side action with Mobley and their dynamic guards. It’s the kind of subtle adjustment that can tilt a playoff series-and perhaps, finally help Cleveland flip the script on a team that’s had their number when it’s mattered most.