Kevin Love Says Collin Sexton Was Main Reason Cavs Won Against Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to band together to deliver a fourth-quarter comeback that helped them defeat the New York Knicks, 125-118, on Thursday night.

However, in the opinion of Cavs power forward Kevin Love, rookie guard Collin Sexton deserves the most credit for the victory.

The 20-year-old Sexton has had an up-and-down first season with the Cavaliers, with the team’s on-court woes not helping matters. In his 62 games this season, he’s averaged 15.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Against the Knicks, Sexton scored 22 points, including eight in the final period. Some clutch moments were part of those final 12 minutes, including a key rebound where he was subsequently fouled and converted on two free throws. The game marked Sexton’s first-ever time playing in the storied Madison Square Garden.

Due to the Cavaliers’ rebuilding approach this season, Sexton has been able to start all but 10 of 62 contests. Along the way, he’s had strong scoring nights, but has also had games in which his rookie status has been clearly evident.

However, Sexton continues to show more maturity on the court, which was evident in Thursday’s win when he delivered a crisp pass to teammate Jordan Clarkson for a back-breaking three in the closing minutes.

Sexton and the Cavaliers will look to win back-to-back games when they host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.