The Cleveland Cavaliers squandered a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the Conference Finals. The New York Knicks fought their way back into the game thanks to Jalen Brunson and prevailed 115-104 in overtime.
With just under eight minutes remaining, the Cavs led by 22 points thanks to a strong second half, but the Knicks made it a close game again within five minutes with an 18-1 run. Jalen Brunson scored 13 points during that stretch and repeatedly sought matchups with James Harden. After a Cavs timeout, however, Evan Mobley calmed the nerves somewhat.
At least temporarily, as two three-pointers by Mikal Bridges and another long-range shot by Landry Shamet tied the game in the final minute. James Harden hit a mid-range jumper, Brunson countered, and a last-ditch attempt by Sam Merrill rolled out of the basket. With a 30-8 run, the Knicks had indeed forced overtime.
Brunson leads Knicks comeback
And that’s exactly how it continued. New York scored the first nine points, with Brunson repeatedly dismantling the Cavs’ defense. The visitors looked flat and, as a result, couldn’t find their way back into the game.
Brunson dominated with 38 points (15/29 FG) and six assists, while the other Knicks starters also scored in double figures. For the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell (29, 12/23) was the top scorer, but he went down with the team in the final 13 minutes. Harden finished the game with 15 points (5/16) and three assists, while Dennis Schröder (3, 1/9) barely scored in his 19 minutes but did dish out five assists.
Cavs concede 11-44 run
In the first half, the Knicks had built a double-digit lead, even though their three-pointers just wouldn’t fall (2/19). The Cavs stayed in the game thanks to Mitchell, but during a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter, it was Harden who was firmly in control. A three-pointer by Mitchell then gave the Cavs a narrow lead at halftime (48-46).
The third quarter belonged to Cleveland, who were able to score repeatedly thanks to numerous offensive rebounds in the paint. Schröder had a strong stretch here, consistently finding the open man, and the Garden slowly fell silent. The lead continued to grow in the fourth quarter as well; the game seemed decided in the Cavs’ favor before Brunson completely took control.
The Knicks outscored Cleveland 44-11 in the final 13 minutes, ultimately winning the first game of the series. Game 2 of the series will take place in New York again on Thursday night at 2 a.m. German time.