Knicks Edge Closer to NBA Finals with Dominant Win Over Cavaliers
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 on Saturday to move within a single victory of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 22 points to the team’s triumph.
The Knicks can seal the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night with a win, potentially sweeping their second consecutive series. Enthusiastic Knicks fans were heard chanting “Knicks in four!” as Game 3 concluded.
New York’s postseason performance has been impressive, as they are now the seventh team in NBA history to achieve at least ten consecutive wins in a playoff run. The Boston Celtics were the last to accomplish this feat on their way to the 2024 title. The Knicks have secured most of their victories by a significant margin, with an average win margin of 22.5 points.
Karl Anthony-Towns, who scored 13 points accompanied by 8 rebounds and 7 assists, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We have to execute at a high level in Game 4,” he said.
OG Anunoby’s 21 points helped the Knicks maintain their lead throughout the game. The Knicks shot 55.8% from the field, made 11 three-pointers, and scored 24 out of 27 free throws.
For the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley scored 24 points, Donovan Mitchell added 23 points, and James Harden contributed 19 points. However, Cleveland struggled with their three-point shooting, converting only 12 of 41 attempts, and endured challenges at the foul line, going 12 of 19.
Despite the presence of celebrities Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in the audience, the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome the Knicks’ prowess. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the difficulty of matching the Knicks’ intensity. “We haven’t been able to stop their momentum,” he stated.
The Knicks held a 91-82 lead at the end of the third quarter. Landry Shamet’s trio of three-pointers in under two minutes extended the Knicks’ advantage to 105-94 in the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Brown praised his team’s fast-paced play and ability to defend without fouling during the second half.
New York’s strong start saw them make their first four shots to establish a 9-1 lead early in the game. By the end of the first quarter, they were ahead 37-27, having shot 12 of 17 from the field. Although Cleveland tied the score at 50 on a James Harden jumper, the Knicks quickly regained control with a 10-1 run and led 60-54 at halftime.
Throughout the third quarter, Jalen Brunson’s key plays, including six of his 12 points in an 8-1 run, expanded the Knicks’ lead to 83-70. According to Shamet, the team’s ability to withstand Cleveland’s toughest challenges demonstrated the depth of their talent and resilience.
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