One More Win, New York Knicks Headed to NBA Finals
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The New York Knicks’ path to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 is now within reach. This certainty came after they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 on Sunday, 24 May, extending their playoff winning streak to 10 games.
Jalen Brunson was the standout player with a game-high 30 points. Significant contributions also came from O.G. Anunoby with 21 points and Mikal Bridges with 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting, pushing the Cavaliers to the brink of elimination.
“I’m at a loss for words. I think we fought hard, that’s what matters most,” Brunson said, per AFP.
With the result, the Knicks hold full control with a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, a best-of-seven series.
They have a strong chance of sweeping the series in Thursday’s fourth game in Cleveland.
Throughout NBA history, no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs.
“The series isn’t over. We must keep pressing them and continue striving to win,” Anunoby said.
In response, Brunson reminded his teammates to stay focused and avoid complacency.
“Just focus on one possession at a time. The way we’ve maintained this mindset over recent weeks must be upheld, even improved upon,” Brunson added.
The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals 27 years ago when they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, with their last championship coming in 1973.
In this game, Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Josh Hart also performed solidly with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals, ensuring the Knicks remain undefeated for the past month.
“Our mindset hasn’t changed. We’re trying to get better every day. We’re learning from wins,” Brunson said.
“There are many areas to improve. Many things we can control, mental errors to correct, but we’re always looking for ways to improve,” he added.
For the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley led with 24 points, followed by Donovan Mitchell with 23 and James Harden with 19.
The Cavaliers, who squandered a 22-point lead in the first game of the series, were never in control this time. The Knicks took charge from the start and dominated the game.
“I think you could say the momentum carried over (from Game 1). We tried to play the right way in every game, but perhaps the momentum did carry over,” Anunoby said.
The Knicks started the first quarter impressively with 10-of-13 shooting to lead 29-19 after 8 minutes 29 seconds.
Towns contributed 11 points in that stretch to help the Knicks lead 37-27 at the end of the first quarter.
Cleveland cut the deficit to 60-54 at half-time. However, disaster struck for the hosts in the third quarter when they committed six turnovers in the first six minutes.
The Knicks led 91-82 entering the fourth quarter and extended it to 110-93 late in the game before securing their fifth consecutive away win.
“It’s all about executing the game plan on both ends, playing the right way, moving the ball, and stopping them defensively,” Anunoby explained the Knicks’ success.