Cavaliers vs. Knicks score: Cleveland evens series with Game 2 victory, but New York did its job on the road

The Knicks head home with a split, which is all they could realistically ask for

The Cleveland Cavaliers took total control of the New York Knicks early in Game 2 and never looked back, cruising to a 107-90 victory on Tuesday night. 

The series is now tied 1-1, heading to New York. 

Indeed, the Knicks did their job on the road by earning the split. But it will be just as tough to win two at home as it was for Cleveland. These are pretty evenly-matched teams. Nobody is going to be surprised if this series goes seven. 

Darius Garland led the way for Cleveland with 32 points, 26 of which came in the first half. He made six of his 10 3-pointers. Donovan Mitchell had a career-high 13 assists, letting his backcourt mate cook while he was in facilitation mode. Evan Mobley bounced back from a tough Game 1, posting 13 points and 13 boards as Cleveland flipped the rebounding advantage that went heavily against them in the opener. 

Jalen Brunson never got going for the Knicks, finishing with an inefficient 20 points on 17 shots. The Cavs were physical with him all night, and Julius Randle ended up playing a lot of one-on-one, which is not what the Knicks want to rely on. 

If Randle and Brunson are not clicking, the Knicks cannot survive RJ Barrett going 4 of 13, as he did in Game 2, which follows up a 2-for-12 effort in Game 1. The Knicks need more from Barret and the potential Sixth Man of the Year, Immanuel Quickley, who has combined for 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting through the first two games. 

Game 3 is set for Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. 

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:44 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

The Knicks are going to lose Game 2, but they did their job with a split in Cleveland. This series feels like it's headed for seven

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:35 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

Great hustle back by Mitchell after turnover. Still battling even with game pretty well in hand

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:22 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

It's officially a runaway. Mitchell hits a 3 to stretch Cleveland lead to 24

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:18 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

stepback 3 for Garland. Up to 32. 

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:16 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

Garland 3 stems New York 12-3 run

[Apr 18, 2023 at 9:11 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

Shot not there for Brunson tonight. Knicks just can't get going. Cavs in total control

[Apr 18, 2023 at 8:40 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

26 first-half points for Garland. Huge performance. Cavs are absolutely rolling now. Up 20 at half