The Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats from the 2024-25 NBA season offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving dynamics between these two competitive Eastern Conference teams. This article dives deep into the performances, standout moments, and statistical breakdowns of the games between New York and Cleveland, providing readers with a comprehensive look at how key players shaped the outcomes. From scoring explosions to defensive stops, the Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats reveal more than just numbers—they tell a story of rivalry, strategy, and basketball at its finest.
Season Overview and Game Summaries
During the 2024-25 season, the Knicks and Cavaliers met four times, each game showcasing intense competition and individual brilliance. Both teams featured young stars alongside seasoned veterans, creating compelling matchups and exciting basketball. The games were marked by strategic adjustments, momentum swings, and moments of clutch performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Game 1: Knicks 108 – Cavaliers 101 (November 2, 2024)
The first clash set the tone with a hard-fought battle. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 28 points and 10 rebounds, showing his versatility. For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell was the offensive spark, scoring 30 points and adding 6 assists. The Knicks’ defense in the fourth quarter was pivotal, limiting the Cavaliers to just 20 points in the final frame.
Key Player Stats:
- Julius Randle: 28 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast
- Donovan Mitchell: 30 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb
- RJ Barrett: 22 pts, 5 ast
- Evan Mobley: 15 pts, 9 reb, 3 blk
Game 2: Cavaliers 115 – Knicks 110 (December 15, 2024)
Cleveland bounced back with a strong team effort. Darius Garland orchestrated the offense with 27 points and 9 assists, while Evan Mobley dominated inside with 23 points and 14 rebounds. The Knicks struggled to contain Garland’s playmaking and failed to close the gap in the final minutes despite Julius Randle’s 26 points.
Key Player Stats:
- Darius Garland: 27 pts, 9 ast, 3 reb
- Evan Mobley: 23 pts, 14 reb, 2 blk
- Julius Randle: 26 pts, 8 reb
- Jalen Brunson: 21 pts, 4 ast
Game 3: Knicks 120 – Cavaliers 118 (January 18, 2025)
This thriller saw the Knicks edge out the Cavaliers in a tightly contested game. RJ Barrett exploded for 35 points, including crucial baskets down the stretch. Julius Randle contributed a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, and Jarrett Allen added a strong interior presence with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Key Player Stats:
- RJ Barrett: 35 pts, 4 ast
- Julius Randle: 24 pts, 11 reb
- Donovan Mitchell: 33 pts, 5 ast
- Jarrett Allen: 18 pts, 12 reb
Game 4: Cavaliers 112 – Knicks 109 (February 20, 2025)
The final matchup was a nail-biter decided in the last seconds. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell combined for 62 points, with Garland hitting a game-winning jumper. Julius Randle put up 29 points and 10 rebounds but couldn’t secure the win for New York.
Key Player Stats:
- Darius Garland: 32 pts, 7 ast
- Donovan Mitchell: 30 pts, 6 ast
- Julius Randle: 29 pts, 10 reb
- RJ Barrett: 20 pts, 5 ast
Player Performance Breakdown
Julius Randle: The Knicks’ Powerhouse
Julius Randle continues to be the Knicks’ backbone. His scoring ability, rebounding, and improved playmaking have been crucial in close games against Cleveland. His consistent double-doubles and leadership elevate the Knicks’ competitiveness.
Season averages vs Cavaliers:
- Points: 26.8
- Rebounds: 9.7
- Assists: 3.2
- FG%: 47.5%
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s Offensive Engine
Mitchell remains the key scorer and floor leader for the Cavaliers. His ability to create shots and facilitate offense under pressure stands out in these matchups.
Season averages vs the Knicks:
- Points: 31.5
- Assists: 5.5
- Rebounds: 4.1
- FG%: 49.0%
Darius Garland: Playmaker Extraordinaire
Garland’s playmaking skills and clutch shooting have been a nightmare matchup for the Knicks’ defense. His command of the offense and ability to penetrate defenses have led Cleveland to multiple victories.
Key stats vs Knicks:
- Points: 29.5
- Assists: 8.7
- Turnovers: 2.3
- 3PT%: 41.0%
RJ Barrett: Rising Star for New York
RJ Barrett’s scoring bursts and ability to take over late in games have made him a critical weapon for the Knicks in their battles with Cleveland.
Season performance vs Cavaliers:
- Points: 28.0
- Assists: 4.5
- Rebounds: 4.2
- FG%: 45.7%
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen: The Cavs’ Big Men
Both Mobley and Allen have provided solid interior defense and rebounding. Mobley’s versatility and shot-blocking complement Allen’s toughness and rim protection.
Combined stats vs Knicks:
- Mobley: 20.2 pts, 11.4 reb, 2.3 blk
- Allen: 16.5 pts, 12.0 reb, 1.0 blk
Statistical Comparison: Knicks vs Cavaliers
Scoring Efficiency
Game DateKnicks FG%Cavaliers FG%Knicks 3PT%Cavaliers 3PT%
Nov 2, 2024 46.2% 48.5% 36.4% 42.1%
Dec 15, 2024 43.7% 49.8% 34.8% 44.3%
Jan 18, 2025 50.1% 47.3% 39.5% 37.8%
Feb 20, 2025 44.5% 48.2% 37.0% 41.6%
Rebounds and Assists
CategoryKnicks AvgCavaliers Avg
Rebounds 44.5 46.2
Assists 25.7 28.1
Turnovers 13.5 12.8
Defensive Stats
Player Steals per GameBlocks per Game
Julius Randle 1.1 0.8
Donovan Mitchell 1.5 0.4
Evan Mobley 0.9 2.2
Jarrett Allen 0.7 1.5
Tactical Insights and Coaching Decisions
Knicks’ Approach
New York has emphasized aggressive perimeter defense to limit Cleveland’s shooters while leveraging Randle’s post scoring and Barrett’s slashing to create offense. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s focus on physicality and pace control is evident in the close contests.
- Heavy usage of pick-and-rolls involving Randle and Barrett
- Zone defense to disrupt Garland’s penetration
- Focused rebounding efforts to control second-chance points
Cavaliers’ Strategy
Cleveland relies on Garland and Mitchell’s chemistry, with Mobley and Allen anchoring the paint. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff employs versatile lineups to exploit mismatches and uses defensive switches to contain the Knicks’ key scorers.
- Fast-paced transition offense led by Garland’s passing
- Strong interior defense with Mobley and Allen
- Timely shooting from role players off the bench
Rising Stars and Breakout Performances
RJ Barrett’s Clutch Scoring
Barrett’s 35-point performance was a game-changer and demonstrated his development into a true go-to scorer capable of taking over games when it matters most.
Darius Garland’s Playmaking Mastery
Garland’s ability to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for teammates has made him an invaluable asset during crunch time.
Julius Randle’s Consistency
Randle’s double-doubles in every game underscore his importance to the Knicks’ offense and defense. His leadership is reflected in his steady statistical production.
FAQs About Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats
Who scored the most points in these matchups?
Donovan Mitchell averaged the highest points per game at 31.5, closely followed by Julius Randle’s 26.8 points.
Which player had the best rebounding performance?
Evan Mobley led with an average of 11.4 rebounds per game against the Knicks.
Were there any notable injuries affecting the games?
No major injuries impacted the four matchups between these teams during the 2024-25 season.
How close were the games?
Three out of four games were decided by single digits, showcasing the competitiveness of the rivalry.
Who had the best clutch moments?
Darius Garland’s game-winning jumper in February and RJ Barrett’s late scoring in January were key clutch highlights.
Conclusion
The Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats from the 2024-25 season highlight an intense and balanced rivalry marked by outstanding individual performances and strategic team play. Julius Randle, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and RJ Barrett have been central figures, each shaping the narrative in significant ways. As the season progresses, this matchup promises to remain a must-watch for basketball fans, with player stats offering a detailed window into the skills, adjustments, and moments that define these contests.
By understanding the numbers and the context behind them, fans and analysts alike can appreciate the depth of competition and the high level of talent showcased when the Knicks face off against the Cavaliers. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, the Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats tell a story worth following closely.
