The NBA playoff history between the Knicks and Cavs

The Knicks and Cavaliers will be meeting in the playoffs for the fifth time in NBA history. The previous four matchups took place in the Eastern Conference first round, and the Knicks won each of those series. The Knicks are 12-2 in their 14 playoff games against the Cavaliers.

1978: Knicks 2, Cavaliers 0

Bob McAdoo averaged 34 points and nine rebounds in the sweep for the Knicks. Campy Russell, who would later play for the Knicks for two seasons, led the Cavs with 27.5 points per game.

1995: Knicks 3, Cavaliers 1

The Knicks won both games in Cleveland as Patrick Ewing averaged 18.5 points and 11 rebounds in the series. Mark Price led the Cavs with 15 points and 6.5 assists per game.

1996: Knicks 3, Cavaliers 0

Jeff Van Gundy, who replaced Don Nelson as Knicks coach late in the regular season, won his first playoff series as a head coach. John Starks led the Knicks with 19.7 points and six assists per game.

2023: Knicks 4, Cavaliers 1

The Knicks easily won the series over the favored Cavaliers as Jalen Brunson led the way with 24 points per game. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23.2 points per game in the series.