The New York Knicks pulled off a remarkable 115-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks’ win came after they overturned a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime and ultimately securing the win.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night.
A Historic Comeback at Madison Square Garden
The first game of the series was one for the history books. The Cavaliers had a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks clawed their way back and forced overtime.
New York scored 14 points in OT, compared to just three for Cleveland, and the Knicks secured the unexpected victory. It was the largest playoff comeback win in franchise history and the largest fourth-quarter comeback in a conference finals game since 1996.
Brunson Leads the Charge
Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson finished with 38 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. All five New York starters finished with double-digit points, and center Karl-Anthony Towns added 13 rebounds for a double-double in the comeback win.
Knicks fans are getting excited every time Jalen Brunson has the ball with James Harden guarding him. That Game 1 ending has left a mark.
Harden’s Struggles Contribute to Cavaliers’ Collapse
There were many factors behind the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 22-point fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, but one stood out in the immediate aftermath: James Harden.
During the Knicks’ game-flipping run, Harden went 1-for-5 for 3 points with zero assists and one turnover. Where it got truly brutal, however, was on defense, as the Knicks hunted Harden like a wounded pheasant.
Harden went 5 of 16 from the floor, with plenty of struggles on defense.
Cavaliers Look to Bounce Back in Game 2
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks tip off Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on ESPN.
- Cavs-Knicks start time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden | New York
- TV channel: ESPN
The Cavaliers lead 17-11 at the first break in play and are humming offensively so far. There is one notable exception, though, as Donovan Mitchell is 0-for-2 and still seems limited after going scoreless in the final 12 minutes of Game 1.
Same starters as Game 1 for both teams.