The New York Knicks pulled off a thrilling 115-104 overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, extending their winning streak to eight games and taking a 1-0 series lead. The Knicks rallied from a massive 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a 1-0 series lead, led by Jalen Brunson’s 38 points.
Cleveland led by as many as 22 points late in the fourth quarter before New York sparked a massive run to tie the game and force overtime. Trailing by 22 points midway through the final period, the Knicks mounted an incredible comeback behind a dominant performance from Jalen Brunson.
The star guard poured in 38 points and added six assists while shooting 15-for-29 from the field. He fueled New York’s late surge as the team closed the game on a stunning 44-11 run. “We got some stops. We kept fighting and believing. We just kept chipping away,” Brunson said on ESPN. “They were playing great basketball. We just found a way. I really don’t have an answer.”
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 29 points and Evan Mobley added 15 points and 14 boards. Mikal Bridges added 18 points for the Knicks, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will take place on Thursday, back at New York’s MSG.
Editorial credit: EVREN MOREL / Shutterstock.com
