Overview
- The New York Knicks completed a 4-0 series sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 130-93 Game 4 win on Monday to advance to the NBA Finals.
- LaVar Ball posted a widely shared social-media rant after the loss blaming Cleveland for trading and underusing his son Lonzo and saying Lonzo would have provided fast-break scoring, defense, and leadership.
- Lonzo Ball began the season with the Cavs but was traded to the Utah Jazz in February; he appeared in 35 games for Cleveland and averaged about 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game.
- Reporting and game data said the Cavs were exposed by New York in transition, rebounding, paint scoring and turnovers, with the Knicks converting forced turnovers into fast-break points and a heavy advantage in the paint.
- Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the club must make offseason decisions and that the roster will probably look different, a comment that forces Cleveland’s front office to weigh coaching continuity, player roles and possible roster retooling.