The New York Knicks are one game away from reaching their first NBA Finals since 1999. They secured a 121-108 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22 points.
The Knicks aim to finish the Eastern Conference Finals with a win on Monday night. Enthusiastic Knicks fans cheered “Knicks in four!” as Game 3 concluded. New York now joins the ranks of NBA teams that have achieved at least 10 consecutive postseason victories. The Boston Celtics were the last to accomplish this in 2024.
Throughout their winning streak, the Knicks have dominated opponents by an average margin of 22.5 points. Only one of their victories was by single digits. Karl Anthony-Towns emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for Game 4. He contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the win.
OG Anunoby’s 21 points ensured New York maintained a lead throughout the game. Their shooting accuracy was impressive at 55.8% from the field, including 11 3-pointers. They were also efficient from the foul line, going 24 of 27.
For the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley was the top scorer with 24 points, followed by Donovan Mitchell with 23, and James Harden with 19 points. Despite notable support, the team’s shooting lacked consistency—12 of 41 from 3-point range and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the Knicks’ strong physicality and energy. “We haven’t been able to stop the momentum,” he stated, noting missed opportunities to counter their dominance.
The Knicks led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter, pulling further ahead in the fourth. Landry Shamet contributed significantly with three 3-pointers in quick succession. Mike Brown, the Knicks coach, praised the team’s focus and ability to play fast, avoiding the Cavaliers’ set defense.
New York took an early lead, making their first four shots for a 9-1 score within two minutes. They maintained control throughout the first quarter, finishing it at 37-27. Cleveland managed to tie the game at 50 points before New York rallied with a 10-1 run, concluding the half ahead at 60-54.
Brunson’s six points midway through the third quarter helped extend the Knicks’ lead to 83-70. Shamet highlighted the “next-man-up mentality” guiding the team, claiming they weathered Cleveland’s strongest efforts.
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