The New York Knicks edged closer to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 on Saturday. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22. This win puts the Knicks just one victory away from securing the Eastern Conference Finals. A sweep of the series could be achieved with a win on Monday night.
Throughout Game 3, enthusiastic Knicks supporters chanted for the team as they neared completion of another successful series. The Knicks have become the seventh NBA team to win at least 10 straight games during a postseason. The Boston Celtics last achieved this with a streak in 2024, and both Cleveland, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Lakers have recorded this twice.
New York’s performance has been dominant, with most victories secured by double digits and an average margin of 22.5 points. Karl Anthony-Towns, contributing 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, emphasized the importance of focusing on the next game. He noted the team’s need to maintain high-level execution in Game 4.
“We’ve got to keep our mind on the task at hand,” Towns stated. “The game is over and we found a way to win.”
OG Anunoby added 21 points, helping New York to maintain control throughout the match. The Knicks were highly effective, shooting 55.8% from the field, making 11 three-pointers, and completing 24 of 27 free throws.
Cleveland’s Evan Mobley scored 24 points, while Donovan Mitchell had 23 and James Harden added 19. Despite a 12-of-41 shooting performance on three-pointers, the Cavaliers struggled to counter the Knicks, even with an appearance by Taylor Swift and Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce. Head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the challenge of matching New York’s physicality and energy.
“We haven’t been able to stop the momentum,” Atkinson remarked. “They’re on a hell of a run.”
By the end of the third quarter, New York led 91-82 and expanded the gap with three consecutive three-pointers by Landry Shamet, pulling ahead 105-94. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised his team for their adaptability and high-intensity play.
“Our guys were locked in from the beginning,” Brown noted. “We got a lot of great contributions.”
New York’s early efforts were visible with a quick 9-1 lead within the first two minutes of the game, finishing the quarter ahead 37-27. Although Cleveland managed to tie the game at 50, the Knicks responded with a decisive 10-1 run. At halftime, New York maintained a 60-54 lead.
Brunson contributed significantly during a key third-quarter stretch, helping the Knicks extend their lead to 83-70. Landry Shamet emphasized the team’s cohesive approach and their ability to withstand Cleveland’s strongest efforts.
“It’s the next-man-up mentality,” Shamet said. “We knew we were going to get a real good punch from that team.”