Physical Knicks break losing streak to Cavaliers in opener

The Cleveland Cavaliers had an All-Star center, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a four-game winning streak over the New York Knicks, whose starting center was out with an injury. In the opener, it was the Knicks who dominated inside and got a 119-111 win.

Mitchell Robinson was out, as was last year's second-leading rebounder Josh Hart, but that didn't matter as the rest of the Knicks hit the glass for a 48-32 rebounding advantage. OG Anunoby led the way with 11 boards, Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 11 and eight different Knicks had at least one offensive rebound in the win.

The Knicks did it despite being undersized compared to the Cavs, though rebounding is often as much about effort as size and position. The game also had plenty of long rebounds, a side effect of the two teams taking 86 combined three-pointers — and missing 53 of them.

Mike Brown's new starting lineup helps Knicks rebounding issues

Last season, the Knicks were the seventh-worst rebounding team in the NBA, in part because Robinson's extended injury absence led old coach Tom Thibodeau to play small ball. Towns started most games at center, with Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, both natural wings, covering the forward positions.

In the opener, new head coach Mike Brown stayed big, starting Ariel Hukporti in Robinson's absence. He also used Guerschon Yabusele and Trey Jemison off the bench, opting for "big ball." As a result, while the Cavaliers made 19 three-pointers, they only made 21 two-pointers and didn't score a lot at the rim. Cleveland took 18 free throws to New York's 36, but that's in large part due to the Knicks taking far more shots in the paint.

Knicks have more versatility than in previous years

The Knicks were limited by their late trade for Towns just before last season. It hurt their depth by trading two rotation players for one and by limiting their financial flexibility to add players. Now, they have options like Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson off the bench — and a coach who is willing to use them.

Expect plenty of Towns-at-center lineups, but with more shooting around him. Yabusele can back him up at center but also shoot threes (36.9%). The Knicks can change looks based on their opponents, and even within a single game. Plus, they're showing they haven't lost their Tom Thibodeau toughness in the absence of the man himself. It's just one game, but the Knicks are showing the grit of a contender.