The New York Knicks are heading back to the NBA finals for the first time since 1999. They completed a 4-0 sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals after another overwhelming victory.
Dominant Playoff Run
The Knicks are attempting to win their first NBA championship since 1973. Their path through the Eastern Conference has been smooth, including a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals and a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
However, a stiff test awaits them as they aim to claim the NBA title. They will face either the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs-Thunder series is currently tied at 2-2.
Knicks Overpower Cavaliers
The Knicks completed their sweep with a 130-93 win. Cleveland only seriously threatened the Knicks in the opening game of the East finals, holding a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson inspired New York to a thrilling comeback win in overtime.
The Knicks won the next three games by 16, 13 and 37 points. They are currently on an 11-game winning streak, the third longest in a single postseason in NBA history.
Brunson’s Leadership and MVP Award
Jalen Brunson, whose father Rick played for the Knicks the last time they reached the finals, has been the star of the series. He paid tribute to his teammates after the game. “It means a lot [to get to the finals], but I wouldn’t be here without my teammates,” Brunson said on the ESPN broadcast. “My coach, this staff, the fanbase, without them none of this is possible.”
Brunson was awarded the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference finals MVP. He averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists across the series.
Josh Hart commented on Brunson’s leadership: “[Brunson’s leadership] is vital for us. He’s an even keel, he doesn’t let us get too high or too low. Even games like this when we’re up 15 or 20, he wants to make sure we’re doubling down on our habits.”
Game 4 Decisive Moments
Monday’s game was all but over after the Knicks went on a 20-0 run at the end of the first quarter and early into the second. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for New York with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell put up 31 points for Cleveland, but could not lead his team to a serious challenge against the Knicks.
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the Knicks’ performance. “They’re playing better basketball. You got to give them credit. They’re on a heater. I don’t want to detract from what we’ve done, but sometimes you’ve got to give the other team credit,” Atkinson said.
Celebrity Support
The Knicks’ presence will bring plenty of attention to this year’s finals. Several high-profile fans, including Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet, were in Cleveland to see them complete their sweep.
The Knicks can now rest up and prepare for the NBA finals.