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The Cavaliers believed the referees allowed the Knicks to get away with some bully-ball and uncalled physical play in the opener of their first-round playoff series.
After losing once already on their home court, they vow to push back in Tuesday’s Game 2
“The refs let us play a lot. So we hit first and see the refs react, instead of being punched in the face and just laying down to it,” Cavaliers guard Darius Garland said after the Knicks’ 101-97 victory Saturday night. “I think that’s the mentality we have to have. Go punch first and see what the refs do, see if they blow the whistle or not. Just set the tone for the game with it.”
The Knicks controlled the glass in the opener, holding a 51-38 rebounding edge, including 17 offensive rebounds despite the presence of dual starting big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
