The New York Knicks moved within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday in Cleveland. The victory gave New York a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and extended the Knicks’ playoff winning streak to 10 games, putting them on the verge of a sweep in Game 4 on Monday.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 30 points and said the team remained focused on the effort and mindset that has fueled its postseason run. O.G. Anunoby scored 21 points, while Mikal Bridges added 22 on 11-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, and Josh Hart finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals as New York continued its balanced, high-energy play.
The Knicks’ victory marked their fifth straight road win and came as the team has now gone a month without a loss. Brunson said the group is concentrating on one possession at a time and believes the team can keep improving even while winning. Anunoby said the Knicks are trying to maintain pressure and not let up with the series still unfinished.
Cleveland, which had blown a 22-point lead in the series opener, never led in Game 3. The Cavaliers fell behind early as New York opened 10-of-13 from the field and jumped to a 29-19 advantage less than nine minutes into the game. Towns scored 11 points in the first-quarter surge, helping the Knicks take a 37-27 lead after the opening period.
The Cavaliers trimmed the deficit to 60-54 by halftime, but six turnovers in the first six minutes of the third quarter allowed New York to regain control. The Knicks entered the fourth quarter ahead 91-82 and stretched the margin to 110-93 before closing out the win.
Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 24 points, Donovan Mitchell scored 23 and James Harden added 19, but the Cavaliers were unable to respond to New York’s pace, defensive intensity and efficient shooting. The Knicks said their success has come from executing the game plan, moving the ball and getting stops on defense.
If New York completes the sweep, it would return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. The franchise last reached the championship round in 1999 and last won the NBA title in 1973.
