Knicks defy historical odds to stun Cavaliers in Eastern Conference finals opener
New York takes 1-0 series lead despite record-setting deficit, moving within three wins of first NBA Finals appearance since 1999
The New York Knicks have overturned a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime, securing a 1-0 lead in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The victory, driven by 38 points from Jalen Brunson, marks a significant shift in momentum for a team that had previously outscored its first two playoff opponents by a combined 194 points.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Knicks trailed 93-71 with 7:52 remaining, a deficit that historically carries a 594-1 win probability over the past 30 postseasons. Brunson initiated a pivotal 18-0 run by relentlessly attacking James Harden, eventually tying the game at 101-all with 19 seconds left in regulation. The Knicks then extended their lead with a 9-0 start to overtime before closing out the victory at Madison Square Garden.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 29 points, but Cleveland’s early control evaporated in the final minutes. Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points for New York, while OG Anunoby scored 13 points in his return from a strained right hamstring. The win marks the Knicks’ eighth consecutive victory, though they entered the game having not played since 10 May, when they completed their second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The comeback is statistically rare, with the Knicks becoming only the second team in the last 30 postseasons to overcome a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit. The only larger such comeback occurred in 2012, when the Los Angeles Clippers rallied from 24 points down against Memphis. Historically, the Knicks’ previous largest comebacks occurred in 1969-70, the year they won their first NBA title.
New York now hosts Game 2 on Thursday, moving within three wins of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. The team had previously blown a 14-point lead in regulation during last year’s Eastern Conference finals against Indiana, but Tuesday’s performance suggests a renewed resilience. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
