The story
Opinion Knicks and Cavs look to build on early-season rotation tweaks
Locked On Knicks and Locked On Cavs hosts say New York is balancing Towns and Brunson while Cleveland leans on Mitchell, Watson and Mobley. Cleveland's Embiid-facing defense drew praise from the Cavs podcast host.
Sources: Locked On Knicks “SHOWDOWN: Tyler Kolek vs. Jose Alvarado Is Mike Br” at 27:50 · Locked On Cavs “Cleveland Cavaliers Earn Statement Win Over Philad” at 17:59, 24:51 · Locked On Cavs “CAVS POSTCAST: Cleveland Cavaliers HUMILIATE Phil” at 5:59, 7:56
More from the game (3)
- Opinion Knecht earns surprising early minutes for the Knicks
Locked On Knicks co-host was surprised Dalton Knecht got so many minutes so soon after his signing, and XJ praised his shooting and cutting as a fit for the system.
Sources: Locked On Knicks “KNICKS POSTCAST: DOMINANT Win Over Bulls PERFECT f” at 6:26 · Locked On Knicks “SHOWDOWN: Tyler Kolek vs. Jose Alvarado Is Mike Br” at 29:03 · Transaction 2026-10-23
- Opinion Bridges's limited role and lack of burst draw criticism
A Locked On Knicks host says Mikal Bridges has rarely closed games and has seen little floor time, and sees no burst off the dribble, calling it a bad sign.
Sources: Locked On Knicks “SHOWDOWN: Tyler Kolek vs. Jose Alvarado Is Mike Br” at 17:17 · Locked On Knicks “The Knicks May Have Just Found Their Missing Piece” at 28:33
- Opinion Hezonja and Proctor give Cleveland's bench a lift
A Locked On Cavs host says Mario Hezonja has been more useful than expected and Proctor has grown into an important dirty-work role, with more minutes for him.
Sources: Locked On Cavs “CAVS POSTCAST: Cleveland Cavaliers HUMILIATE Phil” at 17:03 · Locked On Cavs “Cleveland Cavaliers Earn Statement Win Over Philad” at 22:19, 23:42
Written by Hoop Dossier from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words. updated . Rumors and opinions are labeled.