Jalen Brunson scores 38 points as the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in Game One.<\/p>\n
Published On 20 May 202620 May 2026<\/p>\n
The New York Knicks, spurred by 38 points from Jalen Brunson, erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.<\/p>\n
The Knicks looked done for when they trailed 93-71 with 7:52 left in regulation time on Tuesday, but Brunson spearheaded an 18-1 run and banked in a floater to tie it at 101-101 with 19.3 seconds left in regulation.<\/p>\n
When Cleveland\u2019s Sam Merrill missed a three-pointer, they went to the extra session, in which the Knicks scored the first nine points.<\/p>\n
Brunson admitted he did not know how the Knicks had pulled off the sensational comeback.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have an answer for you,\u201d he told broadcaster ESPN.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got some stops. We kept fighting, kept believing, just kept chipping away. They were playing great basketball, and we just found a way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mikal Bridges added 18 points, and OG Anunoby, back from a two-game injury absence, was one of three Knicks players with 13.<\/p>\n
Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points to lead the Cavaliers, and James Harden added 15.<\/p>\n
The Knicks will have a chance to double their lead in the best-of-seven series when they host game two on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The winner of the series will face either the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the championship series.<\/p>\n