New York opened the game with a flurry, making their first four shots and building a 9-1 lead before two minutes had elapsed. The early surge set the tone for a contest that would see the Knicks maintain control throughout.
Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22. OG Anunoby added 21, giving the Knicks a balanced offensive attack that kept the Cavaliers guessing.
A Third‑Quarter Surge
The Knicks extended their advantage in the third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 33-22 and entering the period up 83-70 with 3:41 remaining. Brunson’s six of his 12 points came during an 8-1 run that stretched the lead to double digits.
Shooting efficiency played a major role, as New York went 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 beyond the arc, and was 24 of 27 at the free‑throw line. The team’s 12‑point halftime edge of 60‑54 turned into a comfortable cushion by the final buzzer.
Cleveland tried to rally, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 23 and James Harden adding 21. Landry Shamet’s three‑point burst in a 99‑second span cut the deficit to 105‑94, but the Knicks answered with a 10‑1 run before halftime that put them back in command.
The victory moved New York within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. A win on Monday night would allow the franchise to close out the Eastern Conference Finals and advance to the championship round.
Historically, the Knicks join an elite group, becoming only the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight games during a postseason run. The last team to achieve that feat was the Boston Celtics in 2024, underscoring the significance of the current streak.
All but one of New York’s wins during this stretch have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points, highlighting the dominance displayed on the court.
The Knicks will look to carry this momentum into the next game, where a victory will not only seal the series but also cement a historic chapter in the franchise’s recent history.