Cavs beat Knicks 123-109, clinch home court advantage in first round

With their 123-109 win Monday night against the Knicks, the Cavs are a step closer to knowing exactly where they stand entering the playoffs.

With its 50th win of the season, Cleveland secured a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference and homecourt advantage in the first round no matter who they play. The Cavs also secured the Central Division title for the fourth year in a row, which could matter if the 76ers lose either tomorrow against the Hawks or Wednesday against the Bucks. If that happens, and the Cavs beat the Knicks on Wednesday, Cleveland will be the No. 3 seed instead of the No. 4 seed.

Kevin Love led the Cavs with 28 points while LeBron James finished with 26 points and 11 assists. Monday marked the first time in 26 games that James did not lead the Cavs in both points and assists. In his return from injury, George Hill scored five points and had four assists in 20 minutes of action.

Cleveland led by as many as 14 points in the first half before bumping up its lead to 18 in the second half. New York cut the lead to 99-94 with 6:37 to play before Cleveland went on a final run and pulled James and Love out for good with 1:05 left on the clock.

Up next: The Cavs host the Knicks on Wednesday. Tipoff is at 8 p.m.