New York Knicks took a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 at Madison Square Garden. The home team clinched the victory with a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 22-point deficit in the final quarter. The Cavaliers had controlled the game for most of the contest and led 93-71 with eight minutes remaining. However, the Knicks mounted a huge run that extended the game into overtime.
JALEN BRUNSON IS CLUTCH.
18-1 RUN FOR THE KNICKS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NASzU8hPX0
The Knicks finished the game on a 44-11 run. Cleveland managed only four baskets from 18 attempts in the final 12 minutes of regulation and overtime, while losing seven turnovers. Donovan Mitchell, who had been leading his team, scored just three of his 29 points in this period. According to ESPN's analysis, the Knicks had only a 0.1% chance of winning when trailing by 22 points.
- We played great basketball for three quarters. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, they dominated us - admitted Cleveland's coach Kenny Atkinson.
The standout player in the Knicks' victory was Jalen Brunson. The Knicks' point guard finished the game with 38 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Brunson scored 17 points in the final quarter and overtime, including the tying basket at 101-101, 19 seconds before the end of regulation, securing an extra five minutes for his team.
In overtime, the Knicks outscored the Cavaliers 14-3. It was the Knicks' eighth consecutive overtime victory and the largest comeback from a 22-point deficit in franchise history.
Alongside Brunson, Mikal Bridges added 18 points. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell led with 29 points, while James Harden managed 15 points, with a disastrous 1-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. The second game of the series will be played on Thursday, also in New York.
This comeback was insane! Brunson was a beast! Can the Cavs even the series or is the Knicks' momentum unstoppable? Let me know your thoughts!