Shamet failed to score for the fifth time in the playoffs, continuing what has been a largely underwhelming postseason. In fact, in his past 10 games, Shamet has averaged just 4.7 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 11.6 minutes per contest. While his points production has been modest, to say the least, his ability to spread the floor remains a positive, even when his shot isn't falling.
Brunson racked up 14 assists Thursday, the most he has recorded thus far during the playoffs. Fresh off a 38-point performance in Game 1, Brunson opted to get others involved, leading to a comfortable victory. In his past 10 appearances, Brunson has averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.2 three-pointers. Now leading the series 2-0, New York will head to Cleveland looking to assert its dominance on the road.
Despite continuing to start, Wade has been mostly a non-factor on both ends of the floor, a trend that continued Thursday. Through 16 playoff appearances, Wade has scored double digits only twice, with both of those being 10-point performances. He has also recorded just 10 steals, four of which came in the opening two games against Toronto.
Merrill failed to land a single three-pointer for the first time in the past seven games, despite a number of good looks, particularly in the opening quarter. After having scored double digits in three straight games, Merrill simply couldn't find his rhythm, contributing to what was an underwhelming performance by Cleveland. Now trailing the series 2-0, the Cavaliers will head home for what is a must-win game Saturday.
Mitchell hasn't been the most efficient shooter during the first two games of the series, going 6-for-18 from behind the arc. He managed to take better care of the ball Thursday after committing four turnovers in Game 1. Still, the 29-year-old couldn't do enough to lift the Cavaliers to a win to tie the series up at one game each. There were rumblings that Mitchell might have sustained a leg injury in the 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks to begin the Eastern Conference Finals. However, nothing has been confirmed. The clubs will meet for Game 3 on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if Mitchell pops up on the injury report heading into that contest.
Hart paced the Knicks in the scoring column, and while he temporarily exited the game in the third quarter after tweaking his ankle, he was cleared to return for the final period to help close out Game 2. The Villanova product enjoyed the majority of his scoring success from beyond the arc Thursday, and his five made treys marks his best effort of the postseason. Hart also excelled as a playmaker and on the defensive end, where he accounted for two of New York's five swipes.
Hart tweaked his ankle after an awkward landing in the third quarter. He was observed limping after it happened and exited to the locker room. However, it's apparent Hart felt well enough to get back on the floor, although it wouldn't be surprising to see him added to the injury report ahead of Game 3 on Saturday.
Hart has played well throughout the contest, amassing a game-high 24 points with five assists, two rebounds and two steals. He injured his ankle in the third quarter and was observed walking gingerly. If Hart can't return Thursday, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet will presumably absorb most of his minutes the rest of the way.
Harper picked up the injury during Wednesday's Game 2 and was ultimately shut down for the night. His availability for Friday's clash will likely hinge on how he feels during shootaround and warmups.
Williams is battling another left hamstring injury in the aftermath of Wednesday's Game 2 win, and his status could be determined by his ability to make it through Friday's pregame warmups with no setbacks. If the star forward is out or limited in any capacity, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and especially Ajay Mitchell would all be options for expanded roles.
The star forward left Wednesday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals versus San Antonio due to a left hamstring injury, and he's set to undergo treatment. It sounds like Williams has a chance to be available for Game 3 on Friday, but it's still unclear if he's dealing only with soreness or another strain. If he's unable to gut it out Friday, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and especially Ajay Mitchell would all be candidates for increased roles.
Fox has missed each of the Spurs' past two contests due to right ankle soreness, and he'll presumably go through Friday's pregame warmups before San Antonio decides if he's able to play. With Dylan Harper's (leg) status also up in the air, both Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes might be thrust into significant roles Friday.
