The Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, erasing a 22-point deficit to beat the Cavaliers 115-104 at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson Takes Over Late
Over the final 12 minutes and 39 seconds—including overtime—Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 38 points as the Knicks ran off a 44-11 stretch to defeat Cleveland.
The Knicks trailed by 22 points in the fourth quarter before their explosive rally. Final score: Knicks 115, Cavs 104. New York leads the series 1-0.
Historic Comeback
This marks the second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in the play-by-play era (since 1997). Historically, teams leading by at least 22 points in the fourth quarter posted a 594-0 record—until now.
The only other team to blow such a lead in the playoffs was the 2012 Grizzlies, who lost to the Clippers.
Harden Hunt
The Cavs tried defending Brunson with James Harden, but the strategy backfired. Brunson repeatedly targeted Harden in pick-and-roll situations, scoring at will.
In the fourth quarter and overtime alone, the Knicks forced Harden into 21 on-ball screens, resulting in nine isolations that averaged 1.9 points per play.
Brunson made eight of his final 10 shots while Harden and Donovan Mitchell combined to miss nine of their final 10 attempts.
Key Contributors
Mikal Bridges hit two crucial 3-pointers in the closing minutes. Landry Shamet added a corner three that bounced around the rim before falling with 45 seconds left in regulation.
Sam Merrill's potential game-winner was halfway down before rimming out, sending the game to overtime where the Knicks sealed the victory.
What's Next
Coach Kenny Atkinson defended his decision to keep Harden in the game despite the mismatch.
"He's been one of our best defenders in these playoffs," Atkinson said. "I trust him. I didn't think about pulling him."
The Cavaliers will need to adjust their strategy heading into Game 2 as the Knicks take early momentum in the series.