The Only Defense the Cavs Played Against the Knicks Was Versus Kylie Jenner

When the Cleveland Cavaliers took down the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, I wrote an article that night offering my honest thoughts: Congrats on the win, but you’re about to get swept by the New York Knicks.

I didn’t mince words. I talked about how the team was a group of nice pieces, but, overall, a team that no one will remember five years from now. James Harden in a Cavaliers jersey will be like Shaquille O’Neal in a Boston Celtics jersey, or Patrick Ewing in an Orlando Magic jersey.

In the four-game sweep against the Knicks, the most exciting thing aside from New York’s comeback in Game 1 was the Cavaliers’ attempt (and failure) to keep home-court advantage against the incoming Knicks fans.

Before they tipped off on Monday, it came out that multiple New York-based celebrities were barred from sitting courtside by the Cavaliers. Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner had to sit in the second row because of his decision, making it even more hilarious by the time the game was over and the Knicks were up by 40 points.

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From the choke at the start to the desperate attempt to get the fans to wave their rally towels in the final minutes, this has been one of the most awkward exits in NBA playoff history.

When you make the conference finals, you should leave with positive memories about your team, win or lose.

But if you’re a Cavaliers fan, all you’ll remember from this team is one that lacked heart, any standout performances, and an ownership group that spent more time worrying about the Kardashian family than the game being played on the court.

After running back the same core following a disappointing exit last year, they somehow found a way to have an even worse elimination by going farther this time around.

This era of the Cleveland Cavaliers should be done.

But aside from theorizing about what bigger market or team Donovan Mitchell or Jarrett Allen could get traded to, will anyone care?

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:17 AM.