Cavs blow out Knicks behind Rubio, Mobley to extend win streak to four

Cavs extend winning streak to four games

The Cleveland Cavaliers successfully defeated another playoff contender by blowing past the New York Knicks. Despite playing in front of a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, the Cavs managed to pull away behind a huge third-quarter effort to successfully bag the 126-109 victory.

Following a string of close wins, the Cavaliers have finally secured their first decisive win eleven games into the young season.

Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio drained eight triples en route to a 37-point explosion, while also adding 10 assists to lead the Cavaliers to their longest winning streak of the season. The veteran floor general also received plenty of help from the frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and rookie Evan Mobley.

Mobley, the third overall selection of this year’s draft, tallied his career-high of 26 points to go with nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a blocked shot. Meanwhile, Allen continued his impressive double-double streak with an 18 and 17 line.

Darius Garland, who just two days ago nailed the game-winning free throws to knock over the Toronto Raptors, also chipped in with 16 markers.

Leading by just a single point at halftime, Cleveland blew the game wide open by scoring 70 in the final two periods while banking on their new defensive identity and limiting the home team to just 18 in the third quarter.

The Knicks played without All-Star point guard Kemba Walker but still remained competitive behind Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, and Evan Fournier. The trio combined for 51 points but could not overcome the Cavaliers’ second-half rally.

Cavs are position to further extend the streak

Anybody who tells you that they thought the Cavs would be 7-4 to open the season would be lying. In fact, oddsmakers tipped the team to lose in nearly all of their games thus far. That has since changed, with some respect and attention finally coming their way.

And now the team gets a two-day break as they return to Cleveland for a much welcomed four-game homestand, putting them in a good position to continue their spectacular run.

On the other hand, the Cavaliers are feeling the effects of the grueling early-season schedule, with Collin Sexton potentially joining Isaac Okoro (hamstring) in the injured list. Sexton appeared to bang knees with center Jarrett Allen and left the game early, ending his night with eight points in 13 minutes.

The young squad could really use the return of Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen, who are currently still out due to health and safety protocols. Luckily, the team does have a revolving door of reserves ready to step up to the plate, whether that is Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens, or even Dylan Windler.

Having now won six of their last eight games, the Cavaliers will look to benefit from some home cooking as they return to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse to host the Washington Wizards on November 11.