The New York Knicks opened their 80th NBA season with a 119-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. OG Anunoby posted a career-level double-double, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns helped seal the victory in Mike Brown’s coaching debut.

The New York Knicks opened their 80th NBA season in style, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in what many billed as a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview. It was also Mike Brown’s first game as head coach of the Knicks — and his squad didn’t disappoint.

Despite missing Mitchell Robinson (mystery issue) and Josh Hart (back spasms), and with Karl-Anthony Townsnursing a right quad strain, New York looked every bit the contender they were projected to be. Brown went deep into his rotation, using 11 players, with only two finishing with negative plus/minus ratings.

💥 OG Anunoby Leads the Charge

Few would have guessed that OG Anunoby would headline the night, but he delivered a dominant performance. The forward tallied 24 points and 14 rebounds, tying his career-high on the glass. He also added three steals, one block, and hit 4-of-9 from deep on 9-of-17 shooting overall.

Anunoby’s energy and effort were contagious, and at 38 minutes, he set the tone for what could be a career season.

“Some habits are hard to break,” joked Brown postgame, acknowledging OG’s heavy minutes load.

⚡ Balanced Scoring and Relentless Effort

New York showcased its depth with five players scoring in double figures:

• Anunoby – 24 points, 14 rebounds
• Jalen Brunson – 23 points
• Karl-Anthony Towns – 19 points, 11 boards
• Mikal Bridges – 16 points
• Miles McBride – 15 points

Off the bench, Landry Shamet nearly joined the group with nine points. The Knicks shot 35% from three (14-of-40)and dominated the glass 48-32, asserting control in the paint even without Robinson.

🏀 Mitchell Shines, But Cavs Falter Late

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 31 points, though he finished -14 in plus/minus. Evan Mobleycontributed 22 points and eight rebounds, while Sam Merrill added a surprising 19.

The Cavaliers rallied from a 17-point deficit to briefly lead by two entering the fourth quarter, but the Knicks’ depth and defensive execution proved decisive. Miles McBride, in particular, hit clutch shots down the stretch — enough to share the symbolic “game ball” with Anunoby.

🧠 Depth Makes the Difference

Even shorthanded, the Knicks looked deep and composed — a sign of Brown’s tactical balance and roster trust. Cleveland, still missing Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Max Strus, will surely improve, but New York’s depth and resilience stood out.

If this opening performance is any indication, Knicks fans have every reason to believe in a special 80th season.

The New York Knicks may be without Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson for their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hart battles a back injury, while Robinson is under load management.

The New York Knicks are preparing for a potentially difficult start to their 2025-26 NBA season, as two key players — Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson — are at risk of missing the team’s highly anticipated season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

According to a report by the New York Post, both players have been held out of practice, sparking concerns about their availability for Wednesday night’s clash at Madison Square Garden.

Josh Hart’s Back Injury Raises Serious Concerns

The situation surrounding Josh Hart is particularly worrisome. The do-it-all forward sustained a back injury during a preseason game in Abu Dhabi against the Philadelphia 76ers after taking a hard fall while chasing a loose ball.

Since then, Hart has struggled to return to full fitness, and head coach Mike Brown expressed doubts about his chances of suiting up for the opener.

“Josh’s situation is different,” Brown explained. “We’re being cautious with him. We’ll see how he responds over the next couple of days.”

Hart’s absence would be a major blow for New York. His versatility, hustle, and defensive intensity make him a crucial component of the Knicks’ second unit. Losing him early could disrupt the team’s rhythm, especially against a Cavs team known for its physicality and strong backcourt play.

Mitchell Robinson Managed Carefully to Preserve Longevity

In contrast, Mitchell Robinson’s absence appears to be part of a broader load management plan rather than the result of a new injury.

Coach Brown reassured fans that Robinson is not hurt, but that the medical staff is taking a proactive approach to ensure his long-term health.

“Everything we’re doing with Mitch is about managing his workload, which we’ll continue to do all season,” Brown said.

Given Robinson’s history of lower-body injuries, the Knicks are choosing caution over risk. The 26-year-old center played a pivotal role in the team’s playoff success last season, anchoring one of the NBA’s top defenses.

Keeping Robinson healthy through the 82-game grind is crucial for the Knicks’ championship aspirations, even if it means starting the season without him.

Depth Will Be Tested Early

If both Hart and Robinson are ruled out, the Knicks’ depth will face an immediate test.

The silver lining? The Knicks have built one of the most balanced rosters in the league — a reflection of Mike Brown’semphasis on depth and defensive versatility. However, the absence of two key rotation players in Game 1 could make an already tough matchup against Cleveland even more challenging.

Knicks Focused on the Long Game

While fans are eager for a strong start to the season, the organization’s priority remains long-term health.

By managing minutes and protecting players with recurring injury concerns, the Knicks are hoping to avoid the pitfalls of past seasons when durability issues derailed their playoff runs.

As the team eyes another deep postseason push, early patience could pay off later — provided the rest of the roster can carry the load in the meantime.

NBA legend Jamal Crawford believes New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson will capture his second Sixth Man of the Year award, citing the team’s depth and success as key factors.

The New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 NBA season with momentum and sky-high expectations after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, both fresh off All-Star selections, the Knicks are built not just around star power, but depth and versatility — two elements that could make them serious NBA Finals contenders.

Among their offseason moves, one addition stands out as potentially pivotal: Jordan Clarkson, whose arrival has already drawn bold praise from one of the league’s most respected voices.

Jamal Crawford’s Bold Prediction for Clarkson

Three-time Sixth Man of the Year and current NBA analyst Jamal Crawford believes Clarkson is primed to reclaim his former glory — and perhaps even surpass it — in a Knicks uniform.

“I like Jordan Clarkson in New York (to win Sixth Man of the Year),” Crawford said during an appearance on NBA TV.

“The formula is, you can be successful off the bench or in any role that you’re up for an award, but your team has to have team success. I think (head coach Mike Brown) is going to utilize his bench a lot, and I think guys like Clarkson will have the green light to do what he does.”

Crawford added that Clarkson’s style fits perfectly with New York’s offensive system, calling him “a sixth starter” — a player who can step in seamlessly and provide instant offense.

Clarkson’s Proven Track Record

At 33 years old, Jordan Clarkson remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic bench scorers.
He previously won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2020-21 as a member of the Utah Jazz, averaging 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on a 54.9% true shooting percentage across 68 games.

Now, after signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract with New York, Clarkson is expected to anchor the Knicks’ second unit, providing scoring relief when Jalen Brunson rests.
His ability to create shots in isolation and spark momentum offensively makes him a perfect fit for the high-energy Knicks bench.

Why the Knicks Are the Perfect Fit for Clarkson

Crawford’s reasoning goes beyond Clarkson’s individual talent — he sees the team environment as crucial to winning the award.

New York’s bench is expected to play a major role under Mike Brown, who values rotation depth and balanced minutes across his roster. Clarkson’s experience, combined with the Knicks’ winning culture, creates a scenario where his impact will be magnified.

“When you do well in that market, everything is amplified,” Crawford explained.

In other words, success in Madison Square Garden resonates differently. A strong season from Clarkson could elevate him not just statistically, but also in narrative — a key component in award voting.

Crawford Knows What It Takes

When it comes to the Sixth Man of the Year Award, few voices carry as much weight as Jamal Crawford’s.
Across a 20-year NBA career, Crawford became one of the most decorated bench players in league history, capturing the award three times while averaging 12.4 points over 894 games off the bench.

His endorsement of Clarkson as a favorite adds credibility — and intrigue — to what could be one of the most compelling subplots of the Knicks’ 2025-26 campaign.

If Crawford’s prediction comes true, Jordan Clarkson could etch his name alongside elite company while helping the Knicks chase their first NBA title since 1973.