The Story Behind the Rivalry
The 2021-22 NBA playoffs will witness an exciting rivalry between two former Villanova teammates – Josh Hart and Donovan Mitchell. Hart, a player for the New York Knicks, will face off against Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. While there is no doubt that both players are highly competitive and will leave everything on the court, their history makes this match-up even more fascinating.
Former Villanova Teammates Now Rivals
Hart and Mitchell were not only college teammates, but they were also online gaming buddies. They share a history of college workouts, friends, and presence in the same 2017 NBA Draft class. Before joining their respective teams, Hart played for the Los Angeles Lakers while Mitchell plays for the Utah Jazz. Interestingly, Mitchell nearly became a member of the Knicks last offseason but a deal was never agreed upon.
Friendly Banter Between Former Pals
In light of their upcoming match-up, Hart commented on Mitchell’s hype video on Instagram with a friendly expletive, indicating that he is excited to play against him. Despite their close friendship, both players have made it clear that it’s all business when they enter the court.
Comparison between Knicks and Cavaliers in NBA Playoffs
The Knicks and Cavaliers have secured their place in the NBA playoffs after enduring tough regular seasons. The chatter surrounding Mitchell led many to question why the Knicks passed on talks with Utah last summer. However, they have since signed Jalen Brunson, nurtured young players and picked up Hart for the playoffs. The Cavs put together a hefty package to acquire Mitchell who transformed them into contenders averaging career-best 28.3 points per game.
Uncertainties Ahead
Several uncertainties exist ahead of the series. For the Cavaliers, there is uncertainty about the involvement of veteran guard Danny Green, while Knicks fans eagerly await Julius Randle’s health and performance. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ ability to play phenomenal defense, edging out the Knicks’ strong offense, is another factor that makes this series thrilling.
Predicted Outcome
Though both teams fought hard to earn their spot in the playoffs, it’s clear that the Cavs are the favorites to win this series as they have statistically performed much better than their record indicates. After extensive analysis, it is predicted that the Cavs will clinch victory in seven games.
In Conclusion:
The Knicks versus Cavaliers rivalry has already caught media attention and sports enthusiasts look forward to watching these two dynamic teams compete on the court. With Hart and Mitchell’s rich history, this rivalry has added excitement and tension to an already charged atmosphere.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
