How Kenny Atkinson's two-big lineup can counter the Knicks' spread offense

The Knicks, having added Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns as well as Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, can now stretch the field in a way that complicates the Cavs' two-big lineup. Towns, a high-profile shooting star, could be Mobley's primary job. Mobley's perimeter defense was a revelation for Cleveland, allowing him to pursue elite shooters and ball handlers while protecting the rim. However, when Mobley is pulled into the arc to face Towns, it forces Jarrett Allen to deal with smaller, faster players – a difficult proposition against a Knicks team that relies on speed and movement.

Allen would have ideally paired with Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who is sidelined after ankle surgery. Robinson's absence means Allen may have to adjust to guarding the perimeter, depending on how Atkinson structures Cleveland's defensive rotations. But that challenge also gives the Cavs a potential advantage: Allen's physicality and inner strength could allow him to overwhelm Towns in the post on offense and create scoring opportunities for Cleveland that the Knicks may have difficulty countering.

Offensively, the Cavs have options, but also obstacles. Mobley's ball-handling and playmaking become critical elements in Atkinson's system, and Cleveland's offensive versatility shines when he can be deployed at the point or in the pick-and-roll. However, Anunoby's defensive presence could make it more difficult for Mobley to initiate plays. With Anunoby shadowing him, Atkinson could transition to playing reverse pick-and-rolls and big-on-big screens to create mismatches and catch Mobley or Donovan Mitchell – who Atkinson always paired with Mobley early in the season – for open looks or driving to clear lanes.

This matchup is a chess match in the making, with Atkinson's Cavaliers ready to test their identity against one of the toughest lineups in the East. If Cleveland is able to handle the Knicks' perimeter offense and take advantage of their size advantage inside, Monday's game could serve as an early-season benchmark.

So far, the Cavs have started the season undefeated, but Monday's matchup will show whether this team has what it takes to compete at the next level. It's also the start of a challenging week for Cleveland, which closes out the week against the Lakers, Magic and Bucks.

A win in New York could set the tone for the Cavs and be a sign that this team has put its recent postseason woes behind it and is ready for the challenges ahead, especially against the rival that beat them just two seasons ago dealt a humiliating exit from the playoffs.