The Cavaliers flew back to Cleveland after Game 2 staring at a familiar postseason demon: the 2-0 deficit that historically buries teams. Only 5.4 percent of NBA squads have rallied from this hole to win a seven-game series, and nothing about Cleveland's first two performances in New York suggests they'll join that exclusive club without a radical adjustment.

Donovan Mitchell has been fine — good, even — but fine doesn't beat Jalen Brunson when the Knicks guard is orchestrating an offense that's shooting 48 percent from three in the series. Cleveland's defensive identity, the foundation of their regular-season success, has evaporated against New York's motion sets. The Knicks are getting open looks that would make a shooting coach weep with joy.

The Mitchell question

Mitchell averaged 28 points through the first two games, numbers that look adequate on paper but feel hollow in context. He's been passive in crucial fourth-quarter stretches, deferring to Darius Garland when the Knicks switch onto him. Whether that's fatigue, scheme, or something psychological, it needs to change. Cleveland paid Mitchell to be their closer. Game 3 is closing time.

The supporting cast hasn't helped. Evan Mobley's offensive regression continues — his mid-range touch has abandoned him entirely — and Jarrett Allen is getting outworked on the glass by a Knicks frontcourt that shouldn't be bullying anyone.

Home court as lifeline

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has been a fortress this season, and Cleveland's home playoff record gives genuine reason for optimism. The crowd will be desperate, the energy electric, and the Cavaliers have historically responded to that environment. But atmosphere alone doesn't fix defensive rotations or create shot-making.

Coach Kenny Atkinson faces a tactical puzzle: does he adjust his drop coverage that Brunson is carving up, or trust that regression will save him? The smart money says he goes to more aggressive pick-and-roll defense, but that exposes Cleveland's wing defenders to isolation situations they've struggled with.

Our take

Cleveland has the talent to make this a series, but talent hasn't been the issue. The Cavaliers have played tentatively, like a team waiting for something good to happen rather than forcing it. Game 3 will reveal whether this core has the championship DNA that separates contenders from pretenders. A loss doesn't mathematically eliminate them, but it would spiritually. Down 3-0, even the most optimistic Cleveland fan knows the season is over. Mitchell needs to be superhuman tonight. Anything less, and the Cavaliers' promising season ends with a whimper.