Cavaliers expect to have top d...

INDEPENDENCE, OHIO (AP) – For their first-round playoff clash against the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers will almost certainly have their defensive stopper back.

Isaac Okoro, who missed the final six games of the regular season due to a painful left knee, participated in some contact drills on Thursday and seems to be ready for Game 1 on Saturday.

Okoro is Cleveland's greatest perimeter defender, and his presence will be more important than ever against a New York squad that favors offensive isolation matchups, particularly on the wings.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff was evasive regarding Okoro's availability, stating simply "we'll see" when asked whether his development over the last two days had encouraged him.

Bickerstaff, on the other hand, was emphatic about what the 22-year-old small forward contributes for the Cavs, who are one of the league's top defensive teams.

"There's an energy that he supplies the group when he's doing Isaac things, and when you go back and watch film, you marvel at the way he can just keep himself in position and is always in the play," Bickerstaff said. "There isn't any screening activity. There's no deception that can get him out of position, and it's entertaining to watch him do it."

Okoro got in some additional shooting practice on Thursday, when the Cavs had a lighter session than the day before in the hopes of keeping fresh for what they hope would be an extended postseason run.

Okoro last appeared on the court on March 26, as the Cavs defeated Houston to secure their first playoff berth since 2018. The squad has been quite quiet regarding Okoro's ailment.

Okoro did not play against the Knicks on March 31 (New York star Julius Randle was also out with an injured ankle, and his availability for the series is unclear), and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 48 points. The Cavs are depending on Okoro, who is 6-foot-5, to at least slow Brunson down.

"It's one of Isaac's strengths, defending a guy like that," Bickerstaff said. "Obviously, Brunson is a fantastic player." He's tremendously gifted and has proved to be clutch in the most crucial situations, but those are the challenges Isaac welcomes and enjoys." And his teammates appreciate what Okoro accomplishes defensively for them.

"It makes it easier, especially in pick and rolls," said Jarrett Allen, who also missed the Knicks' latest loss. "He usually guards the guy who handles the ball the most, so the guy isn't going to blow past him."

"It's not like he's going to open up a lane to the basket for the guy." So it allows me to relax easier and trust that it will be a 2-on-2 defense."