The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a fiery 3-0 start, but tonight’s clash with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden will test just how solid they really are. After coasting through some easier competition to start the season, the Cavs face their first true challenge—and a game that could say a lot about Cleveland’s approach to its big-man pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s faith in a two-big lineup has turned heads across the league. Mobley and Allen dominate the paint and have been instrumental in pushing the Cavs to one of the league’s top defensive ratings. But up against the Knicks’ spread offense and pace, can this lineup prove just as effective? New York has shown it can stretch the court with perimeter shooting and quick drives, tactics that could expose the limitations of the Cavs’ “Twin Towers.”
Mobley’s defensive versatility is the key piece here. The third-year forward has expanded his skillset to handle perimeter assignments, a quality that will be essential if he’s tasked with defending New York’s three-point shooting threats like Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby. Allen, a force around the rim, may see fewer minutes if Atkinson feels compelled to switch to a quicker lineup with Mobley at the five to keep up with the Knicks’ speed.
On the offensive side, Cleveland’s new, more fluid system has been a hit. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are thriving under Atkinson’s playbook, with a fast-paced, motion-heavy offense that keeps opponents guessing. Mitchell, who has averaged 27 points per game so far, has also managed to get his teammates more involved, lifting Cleveland’s offensive rating to the second-best in the league. But against New York’s physical defense, can Mitchell and the Cavs spread the floor effectively to give their bigs the space they need to work?
This game will also give fans a sneak peek at how Cleveland’s roster might evolve. With trade rumors swirling around Jarrett Allen, a strong showing from him and Mobley could help solidify the two-big strategy. But if the Knicks expose defensive weaknesses with this approach, it could reignite talk of reshaping the lineup to prioritize Mobley at center.
This showdown in New York is about more than just an early-season win—it’s a preview of what’s to come for the Cavs in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. If the Twin Towers hold strong tonight, the Cavs could prove they’re more than just contenders; they’re ready to claim their place among the NBA’s elite.
