Hard offseason ahead for Cavs after Knicks sweep

The Cavaliers’ pursuit of a championship stalled with a 4‑0 series loss to the Knicks, exposing a gap between their talent and true title contention. Donovan Mitchell drew top defensive pressure and struggled to carry the offense, especially when paired with Harden, whose backcourt pairing with Mitchell didn’t gel in the postseason. With a disappointing regular season and aging pieces, Cleveland faces tough summer choices—pursue a blockbuster upgrade, lure a former star back, or retool around Mitchell—to avoid a repeat of this postseason outcome.