CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers, in addition to the Knicks, now have another opponent in this series: history.
And now, the odds are stacked against them about as high as the New York skyline.
In losing Game 3 to the Knicks, the Cavs fell to 0-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals (with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in attendance, no less). Being down 0-2 was already a tough spot to be in, though they were able to recover in the second round against the Detroit Pistons.
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But being down 0-3? Now, if they are to save their playoff lives, it will have to be with a feat that is nothing short of historic.
In NBA playoff history, 161 teams have gone down 0-3 in a series. Zero have come back to win it. In all the history of the league, with all the craziness of the playoffs, and all the variance that comes with a small sample, it’s never been done before — and it’s now exactly what the Cavs are facing.
It’s why the Game 3 loss felt particularly back-breaking. Donovan Mitchell, in frustration, began untucking his jersey even before the clock hit 0:00. The Cavs had a few defensive possessions late in the fourth quarter that could be described as noncompetitive, as the game was well out of reach.
There’s a reason that an 0-2 deficit is a tough spot to be in, but an 0-3 hole suddenly feels like climbing Mt. Everest while wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip flops.
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“Yeah, get one. Get one. Get one and we’ll go from there,” said coach Kenny Atkinson when asked about his message to the team in this spot. “It’s, win one. Our pride, our team pride, individual pride. Get one and we’ll go from there.”
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) reacts to referee Tyler Ford in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) kicks the ball after losing possession in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Travis Kelce reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a turnover in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (20) reacts in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reaches for a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots a free throw in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) loses the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) loses the ball while guarded by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Miles McBride (2) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) attempts to pass int he first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes while defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Travis Kelce reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Taylor Swift reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
(Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A detailed view of the net before game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) high fives before game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) tip off in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), forward OG Anunoby (8) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) reach for a rebound in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) looks to shoot while defended by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) run the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots a free throw in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reaches for a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) reacts in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (3) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Signatures depicting the 2026 Cavaliers slogan “Let em know” are seen at the corners of the floor before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Champagne is handed out in the hallways of Rocket Arena before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden shoots warmup shots before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)Cavs NBA playoffs history
Of those 161 teams to fall behind 0-3 in an NBA playoff series, only four were able to even force a Game 7. It’s only happened once in the last two decades. None, of course, won Game 7.
In fact, only 15 of those teams even reached Game 6.
“Get ready for Monday and get one and then go to New York,” Mitchell said, referencing the team’s mindset. “You figure it out and get ready for Monday and then we get ready to go to New York.”
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Game 4 is set for May 25 at Rocket Arena. Game 5, if necessary, would be May 27 at Madison Square Garden. That’s what Mitchell is referencing. And while game-by-game is the proper approach, the Cavs have such a mountain to climb that even if they did that, and won in Cleveland then New York — they’d still only be halfway there, and would need to do it all over again in Games 6 and 7.
And they’d have to do it all after back-to-back Game 7s that involved 14 grueling playoff games against physical teams that has forced the Cavs to play games on every other day for a few weeks now.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are the most-rested team left in the playoffs who have now won 10 consecutive playoff games. The Cavs are not buried. The series is not over. But the historical evidence against them is staggering, and it paints a picture of the kind of task that now lies before them if they want to reach their first NBA finals without LeBron James on the roster since 1992.
“I mean, [10] playoff wins in a row, that’s — I don’t know, that’s really hard to do,” Atkinson said of the Knicks. “They’re on a hell of a run. You know, we haven’t been able to stop the momentum. We had one chance in that first game, I thought, to stop it.”
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No team has ever accomplished what the Cavs must now do to save their playoff lives. There’s no blueprint. There’s no precedent. So everything is on the table heading into Game 4.
“Yeah we gotta look at it [all],” Atkinson said. “Do we go back and extend our rotation again? That’s something we could do. Gotta look at it. Obviously, our guys will get on their recovery … habits and all that, but we could look at playing a guy or two more. So that’s a possibility.”
It’s also certainly a possibility that the Cavs come back to win the series. But down 0-3, they’d be the first. Then again, no team had ever come back down 3-1 in the NBA Finals to win the championship — until it happened in 2016.
Ryan Lewis covers the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers fighting NBA playoff history down 3-0 to Knicks