The Cleveland Cavaliers insist they are undaunted by falling 2-0 down on the New York Kicks in the Eastern Conference finals.Josh Hart led the Knicks to a 109-93 Game Two win at Madison Square Garden as the Cavs tactics of stopping Jalen Brunson worked to a degree but then fell down on poor shooting from three-point range.It means they have an uphill task in the 2026 play-offs once again, although they proved in the conference semi-finals they have the mentality to progress after coming back to beat the Detroit Pistons.This isnt our first time facing adversity, said Donovan Mitchell. Weve been through two Game Sevens, so being down 2-0 is not the biggest challenge. Its just something we just reached.Table of ContentsShooting let us down, not the tactics, insist CavaliersBrown hails Knicks star HartShooting let us down, not the tactics, insist CavaliersThe feeling amongst the Cleveland players and staff was that their approach was correct but was hindered by going just nine for 26 from beyond the arc.We just hit no shots, Cavs guard James Harden said. We had a lot of open shots. Make shots, hit a couple of those, win the ball game. Throughout the entire game, our process was right. I dont know if it was tired legs, you know, whatever the case is going to be, but we had a lot of really good looks. Its part of the game.Hart ended with a personal playoff high of 26 points while Brunson turned provider with 14 assists.It was a night to remember for 31-year-old Hart, who led a key 18-0 third-quarter run that swayed the game in New Yorks favour.Brown hails Knicks star HartHe has struggled for game time under coach Mike Brown, who said: Its just who Josh is. Hes a gamer. He knew what he had to do in terms of adjustments he needed to make in order to be effective.He was great, he was decisive. We have to play fast, so were not going against a set defense all the time.It will be interesting to see if Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson employs similar tactics or eases the focus on Brunson when the teams meet for Game Three.Obviously were loaded up more to him, and he found other guys, Atkinson said of Brunson. We just got to find that balance, but 14 assists, credit to him, right? Took away some of the scoring options, blitzed him, gave him different looks. Topics Cleveland Cavaliers New York Knicks Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Knicks stage incredible comeback after targeting Cavaliers superstar: It was no secret: We were attacking Harden Jon Fisher 20th May, 2026 Coach Atkinson not satisfied with Cleveland reaching Eastern Conference finals: We still have more to prove Jon Fisher 18th May, 2026 NBA playoffs: Spurs punch ticket to Western Conference Finals as Pistons force Game 7 against Cavs Mitch Fretton 16th May, 2026 NBA Playoffs: Mitchell hails Cavaliers mental fortitude after Game 5 win in Detroit Nicholas McGee 14th May, 2026 Detroit coach lashes out at officiating after Mitchell wins Game Four for Cavaliers: Its unacceptable Jon Fisher 12th May, 2026 Josh Hart prods Philadelphia after Knicks fans take over: I used to think Philly was a sports town. I dont know if it is anymore. Jon Fisher 11th May, 2026
