Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Live score updates, how to watch Game 4 as Cleveland fights to stay alive down 0-3 in series

The Cleveland Cavaliers face elimination after falling behind 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, with the New York Knicks one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. New York took a commanding series lead with a 121-108 victory in Game 3 at Rocket Arena, putting Cleveland in a must-win position for Monday night’s Game 4.

Donovan Mitchell briefly left Game 3 in the second quarter but returned and finished with 23 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Despite his effort, Cleveland could not overcome New York’s balanced attack. Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 24 points, while James Harden added 19. The Cavaliers have struggled to find consistency in the series, and Mitchell’s condition has been a concern as he has not appeared fully healthy throughout the matchup.

The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, who combined for 73 points in Game 3. All five New York starters scored in double figures, and Landry Shamet contributed 14 points off the bench. That depth and efficiency have helped the Knicks take control of the series after stealing Game 1 in comeback fashion and building momentum through the first three games.

Game 4 is being played at Rocket Arena in Cleveland with tipoff set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. If the Cavaliers win, the series would continue in New York on Wednesday. If the Knicks complete the sweep, they will advance to the NBA Finals and await the winner of the Western Conference finals, where the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied 2-2.

Cleveland made a lineup change ahead of Game 4, moving Max Strus into the starting lineup in place of Dean Wade in an effort to spark a comeback. Strus has been a reliable postseason contributor, shooting 36.3% from 3-point range, and the Cavaliers are hoping the adjustment can help them stay alive. The challenge remains steep, as no team in NBA history has erased a 3-0 deficit in a seven-game series.

Early in Game 4, the Knicks again showed why they have controlled the series. New York opened strong, built a double-digit lead after the first quarter and extended it with a big second-quarter run. Cleveland tried to respond with a short run of its own, but the Knicks remained in control, with Brunson drawing MVP chants in the building as New York pushed toward a potential sweep.

The Cavaliers now need four straight wins to keep their season alive, while the Knicks are within reach of a historic Finals return.