Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
New York KnicksOpen full analysis
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109–93 on May 21 at Madison Square Garden, dominating a playoff matchup through efficient shooting and suffocating defense. Josh Hart led the Knicks with 26 points while Mikal Bridges added 19, as New York shot 51.8 percent from the field and connected on 13 three-pointers to control the pace. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell matched Hart with 26 points and Jared Harden contributed 18, but the Cavaliers managed only 38.8 percent shooting and committed eight turnovers against just six for the hosts. The Knicks' third-quarter explosion—32 points in that frame—proved decisive, extending their lead decisively as Cleveland's offense stalled with 15 total assists. New York's defensive rating of 104.4 clamped down on the Cavaliers' perimeter game, limiting them to nine made threes while the Knicks' 32 assists demonstrated ball movement that kept Cleveland's defense stretched. The final margin fell well short of the 215.5 Vegas total, underscoring the Knicks' defensive intensity. New York's balanced offensive attack and execution position them favorably in the series.
