Game Summary
The Wine & Gold will tip off the 2014-15 regular season against the New York Knicks tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Cavaliers had a solid 2014 Preseason, finishing with a 5-2 record and having five players average double figures in scoring (Irving-20.8, James-15.0, Waiters-14.4, Love-14.0, Thompson-12.3).
Cleveland was not outrebounded in any game during the preseason and averaged 46.6 rebounds per game (3rd-highest in preseason) to the opponents’ 38.0 (4th-lowest in preseason). Cleveland also ranked 1st in offensive rebounds (13.4), 3rd in 3-point percentage (.381), 3rd in free throw percentage (.800), 3rd in turnovers per game (15.7), tied-3rd in points per game (104.9) and 8th in assists per game (22.9) this past preseason.
New York comes into tonight's contest looking to bounce back from last night's 104-80 loss to the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden.
Only two Knicks scored in double-figures (Carmelo Anthony 14, Amar'e Stoudemire 12) as Chicago's defense held New York's newly adopted triangle offense to just 36.5% shooting from the field.
BROADCAST INFO
TV: TNT
*FOX Sports Ohio will air 1-hour long pregame at 7:00 p.m. More Info
RADIO: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, AM 1590 WAKR (Akron) Cavaliers Radio Network
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Get everything you need to know about tonight's matchup. Game Notes
Probable Starters/Status Update*presented by Cleveland Clinic
Status Update: None to Report
Knicks: PG - Shane Larkin, SG - Iman Shumpert, SF - Carmelo Anthony PF - Amare Stoudemire, C - Samuel Dalembert
Status Update: (Knicks) - Jose Calderon, (Sore Back, Day-to-Day), Andrea Bargnani, (Strained Right Hamstring, Out)
*Subject to change
Joe G's Three Keys
1. Home sweet home – The Cavaliers will be feeding off the full-house’s massive energy when Cleveland becomes the center of the sports universe for Thursday’s opener. That’s bad news for the Knicks, who haven’t played well at The Q, regardless. The Cavs are 11-3 over their last 14 games against the Cavs in Cleveland.
2. Defend the Triangle – Derek Fisher brought Phil Jackson’s Triangle Offense to the Big Apple, but it was a mess in their opener against Chicago. The Bulls ran two or three guys at Carmelo Anthony when he settled in the pinch-post. The Cavs will need to minimize Anthony as a threat.
3. Guard the Arc – J.R. Smith has had some huge games against the Cavs in Cleveland lately. And Dion Waiters knows exactly what Hardaway Jr. can do from long-distance. The Cavs can’t allow either one to go off from three-point range tonight.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The Cavs have won 23 of the last 30 home games over New York since March 14, 1998.
The last time the two teams met this past March, Dion Waiters finished with 22 points on 9-17 (.529) shooting, five rebounds and two assists in 41 minutes. For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony had game-highs of 32 points and eight rebounds in 40 minutes. Cleveland overcame a 17-point deficit to snap the Knicks eight-game win streak after shoting a season-high .609 (42-69) from the field.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: TNT, Radio: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, AM 1590 WAKR (Akron)
For live in-game updates, follow @cavs, @CavsJoeG, @CavsFredMcLeod, @MrCavalier34, @CavsJMike, @chones22 and @ElalcaldeRafa on Twitter.
Traffic Update
The most anticipated season in Cavaliers history tips off this Thursday, October 30th at 8:00 p.m., when the Cavs host the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena!
This is an exciting time for Downtown Cleveland and due to the many activities taking place both inside and outside the arena, heavy traffic conditions are expected and parking will be limited in and around the Gateway District. For more information on the Cavs Opening Night events CLICK HERE.
On Deck
After tonight’s game, the Wine & Gold travel to the Windy City tomorrow night to take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Tipoff will be at 8:00 p.m. ET.