Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Brunson’s 38 points spearheaded a comeback from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Knicks Overcome Huge Deficit
The Cavaliers held a commanding 93-71 lead with just 7:52 remaining, after dominating the first two rounds. Brunson then ignited an 18-1 run, relentlessly attacking James Harden. He tied the game at 101 with 19 seconds left in regulation.
Brunson stated that the Knicks’ mindset was to finish strong, irrespective of the outcome, to build momentum for Game 2.
“Just keep fighting,” he said. “Keep chipping away. We’re not going to get it back in one possession.”
Overtime Surge Seals the Win
The Knicks initiated overtime with a 9-0 run, energising the crowd at Madison Square Garden. The victory puts the Knicks three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Contributions From Other Players
Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points, while three Knicks players, including OG Anunoby, each scored 13 points. Anunoby made a late impact after a difficult return from a strained right hamstring, which had sidelined him for two games.
Cavaliers’ Collapse
Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers appeared to be heading for their third consecutive road win before their late-game struggles. The Knicks outscored them 44-11 after the Cavaliers led 93-71.
“We played great basketball tonight for three quarters. Unfortunately, the fourth quarter — they dominated us in the fourth quarter,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said.
The Knicks have now won their eighth consecutive game. They will host Game 2 on Thur.