The New York Knicks opened their 2025-26 NBA season with an impressive victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. Both teams, viewed as favorites to win the Eastern Conference, saw significant roster changes due to injuries, but it was the Knicks who made the most of their opportunities, showcasing new strategies under first-year head coach Mike Brown.
Prior to the game, both teams faced considerable challenges, with key players missing. The Cavaliers were without starters Darius Garland, Max Strus, and DeAndre Hunter, while the Knicks played without starting center Mitchell Robinson and key reserve Josh Hart. These absences transformed the matchup into a test of which squad could adapt better under the circumstances.
The Knicks started strong, building a 17-point lead in the second quarter, only to see the Cavaliers rally back thanks to Donovan Mitchell’s explosive performance. Mitchell scored 21 points in the third quarter, tying the game at 87. However, the Knicks’ bench, which the organization had emphasized would be a strength this season, stepped up in the fourth quarter. Deuce McBride delivered crucial shots, and Jordan Clarkson provided scoring through assists, helping the Knicks regain control and win the game 101-94.
This victory underscored a significant shift in the Knicks’ identity compared to previous seasons. Under Mike Brown, the Knicks embraced depth and a more dynamic style of play. Ten players saw over ten minutes of action, with the bench contributing 35 points—an encouraging sign for a team that has typically relied heavily on a small core.
Brown’s strategy emphasized faster play and increased movement. The team sought to push the ball quickly up the court while also integrating “spray” passes from the paint to create open shots on the perimeter, a tactic not frequently utilized in past seasons. He stated his goal was to have at least 20 such passes per game to keep defenses on their toes.
Defensively, the Knicks showed aggression that was sometimes lacking in the previous season by implementing a full-court press, which kept the Cavaliers off-balance and helped secure the victory.
On the other side, while Mitchell showcased his scoring prowess with 31 points, the Cavaliers faced challenges with their lineup. They will need additional scoring from players like Evan Mobley and Sam Merrill in the absence of Garland and Hunter to alleviate some of the offensive pressure on Mitchell. Former second overall pick Lonzo Ball also faced difficulties, contributing only three points in his first game with the Cavs.
For the Knicks, the offensive approach seemed more collaborative than it had in previous seasons, with Jalen Brunson playing off the ball more frequently. This strategy proved effective, allowing others like OG Anunoby and Mikail Bridges to step into more prominent scoring roles.
Overall, while it was the season opener and against a short-handed opponent, the Knicks demonstrated that they are a deeper and more versatile team compared to last season. With higher hopes for the future and players set to return from injuries, the Knicks are poised to compete seriously for an NBA title. “Our expectations are extremely high,” Brown commented, but they know there’s still work to do as they aim to build on this promising start.