Go behind the scenes for an in-depth and all-access look at the Eastern Conference semifinals.
From time to time, NBA.com’s writers will share their takes on the biggest storylines and trends around the league.
Who will win the Eastern Conference Finals and who is your pick for Conference Finals MVP?
Steve Aschburner
New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns. Just from a human-nature reaction of “Mission accomplished or not?” the Knicks know they must climb one more level to improve on last spring — and justify the front office’s rash decision to change coaches. Cleveland has already surpassed recent history (dating back to 1992 if you go by non-LeBron James iterations). The Knicks might need to shake off some rust, but will benefit from the rest, specifically in OG Anunoby’s healed right hamstring. Towns has been transformed in these playoffs, shooting better, scoring a little less, but facilitating New York’s offense like never before.
Brian Martin
New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson. While Cleveland just survived its second straight seven-game series, the Knicks — and OG Anunoby’s ailing hamstring — have had a week off to rest and prepare for a chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. The Knicks’ offense is rolling (120.4 ppg), and if they can shake off the rust early and pick up where they left off, the forecast may call for orange-and-blue skies in New York City. For series MVP honors, Brunson will need to outduel fellow All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and knock down some clutch buckets to help the Knicks advance, which should position him to take home the hardware.
Shaun Powell
New York Knicks and OG Anunoby. The Knicks are the fresher, hotter, and quite frankly, better team. All of the major concerns for this team have either been erased or reduced, at least enough to beat the Cavs. Maybe those flaws resurface in the NBA Finals, but that’s another issue for another day. Look for Anunoby to sparkle at both ends and edge Jalen Brunson for top honors. New York has waited more than 25 years for another trip to the NBA Finals. That time has finally arrived.
John Schuhmann
New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are probably due for some regression on offense, but given the opponent, they should still have more success on that end of the floor. Karl-Anthony Towns has become more of an offensive hub over the last several games, but Brunson (second in the playoffs in time of possession) still drives the bus. He struggled a bit (34% shooting) against the Cavs in the regular season, and they can guard him with some size, but the Knicks’ offense has a little more diversity these days, allowing him to attack from more areas of the floor
Jeff Zillgitt
New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns. New York is rolling offensively, finding answers defensively and is ready to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since losing to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. Towns will be needed against Cleveland, which has played two seven-game series. His efficient inside-outside scoring, double-digit rebounding and playmaking with the pass will prove crucial if New York is to win the series.
