With 7:52 left in the fourth quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers led the New York Knicks 93-71 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference finals series at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
At that moment, it appeared the Cavs were going to take Game 1. However, the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, led the Knicks on a 30-8 run to send the game an OT, and New York would go on to defeat the Cavs 115-104 in OT.
The Knicks outscored the Cavs 44-11 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
This was New York’s largest postseason comeback in 56 years. In addition, Brunson outscored the Cavs 17-11 in the final 7:52 of regulation and OT.
Game 2 is Thursday night at MSG.
The Cavs, who had six players in double figures, including all five starters, were led by Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points. Evan Mobley and James Harden had 15 points apiece, and Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen both added 10.
For the Knicks, who had five players in double figures, including their starting five. Mikal Bridges had 18 points, and OG Anunoby, Karl Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart chipped in with 13.
Bottom Line:
The Cavs had the Knicks on the ropes, and they let them off the hook, which could cost them the series. If the Cavs lose this series, they will point back to Game 1.
New York was rusty, and it showed, but again, the Cavs could not make them pay.
Additionally, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson should take some heat. First, it took him too long to take a timeout. Furthermore, Brunson was going at Harden time after time, and they had no answers. Something needed to be done, and Atkinson didn’t find a solution.
Obviously, this series is far from over. However, after their loss in Game 1, it appears that Cleveland blew their chance to win this series.
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