The Cleveland Cavaliers bullied the New York Knicks from start to finish.
It’s not usual to see a team coached by Tom Thibodeau tread water on defense, and even though they didn’t have Josh Hart, the Cavs’ offense absolutely obliterated the Knicks’ defense.
That’s why Stephen A. Smith had to admit the Knicks aren’t on the Cavs’ level right now.
Talking on ESPN, the controversial pundit and well-known Knicks fan admitted that his team, which is 0-6 against the likes of the Cavs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics this season, isn’t a top-tier team (via Awful Announcing).
"Three hours of my life that I could never get back. It's just a very, very bad, nauseating feeling right now. To be honest with you, the Knicks made me wanna throw up."
Stephen A. Smith after the Knicks were walloped 142-105 by the Cavs.
They are now 0-6 against CLE/OKC/BOS. pic.twitter.com/OegcCTrshe
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 22, 2025
He stated the Cavs cost him three hours of his life he would never be able to get back, and while the Knicks aren’t as awful as they used to be, they’re just not on the same tier.
Of course, this game clearly meant more to the Cavaliers.
Coach Atkinson admitted that several players claimed they were still hurt about their loss in the playoffs, and they were looking forward to making a statement.
The Knicks are a good team, and they won’t allow 142 points very often, but the Cavs have proven that they can hold their own against anybody in the league when they’re at their best.
There’s still plenty of basketball left to be played this season.
But after watching how this team has dominated some of its opposition, you have to feel great about their chances in a potential seven-game series against almost everybody else in the league right now.
NEXT: Former NBA Champion Takes Jab At Cavs, Donovan Mitchell
