Josh Hart led the way with 26 points, and a decisive 18-0 run in the third quarter helped the New York Knicks secure a 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second game of the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks now hold a 2-0 lead in the series and are just two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Mikal Bridges added 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who have now won nine consecutive games. This is the longest winning streak in NBA playoff history since the Boston Celtics won ten in a row on their way to the championship in 2024.

The 18-0 Run Sealed the Game

After overcoming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter in the first game, the Knicks secured this victory earlier. The key moment was a 18-0 run in the third quarter, which put them ahead 71-53. Fans in the arena chanted "Knicks in four! Knicks in four!" long after the main players had sat down.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, while James Harden added 18. The Cavaliers now find themselves down 2-0 in the series for the second consecutive round and will need a comeback in the upcoming games. The third game is scheduled for Saturday in Cleveland.

A Long-Awaited Finals Appearance

The Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year, but they haven't been in the NBA Finals since 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Josh Hart has been a key player this season with an average of 12 points per game.

Jalen Brunson added 19 points and 14 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 13 rebounds, solidifying the Knicks' dominant performance.