The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference finals with a statement win Tuesday night, storming back from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime at Madison Square Garden.
The comeback marked the largest playoff rally in Knicks franchise history and extended New York’s postseason winning streak to eight games.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, taking over late in regulation and overtime as New York erased what appeared to be a comfortable Cleveland lead. Brunson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 17 points across the final eight minutes and overtime.
The Cavaliers controlled much of the game and led 93-71 with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation before the Knicks erupted on a 30-8 run to force overtime. New York then opened the extra session with nine consecutive points and never relinquished control.
Mikal Bridges added 18 points for New York, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds. OG Anunoby returned from injury to contribute 13 points in his first game back after missing nearly two weeks with a hamstring issue.
A key turning point came when Knicks coach Mike Brown adjusted the offense late, repeatedly putting the ball in Brunson’s hands against favorable defensive matchups. Reserve guard Landry Shamet also provided a spark with a critical 3-pointer in the closing minute of regulation.
Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 29 points but managed only three after the third quarter as the Cavaliers’ offense collapsed late. Cleveland committed six turnovers during New York’s comeback push and was outscored 14-3 in overtime.
The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden shifted dramatically as the Knicks clawed back into the game, energizing a crowd that appeared stunned earlier in the fourth quarter.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Thursday night in New York.
