The New York Knicks hold a 3-0 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, notching their 10th straight playoff victory on Saturday night.
While it would be completely reasonable to begin thinking about a trip to the NBA Finals, the Knicks are choosing to maintain a “desperate” mentality.
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After Saturday night’s 121-108 win in Game 3, several Knicks players shared the exact same message.
“We don’t think about it that way. We’re 1-0 today. Monday, we’re 0-0. We’re far from our goal,” Josh Hart said.
“We found a way to win tonight, but we got to have the same desperation like it’s 0-0,” Karl-Anthony Towns added.
“Just come out with desperation like it’s still 0-0,” OG Anunoby replied.
“I just think taking possession by possession and having that 0-0 mentality and playing desperate,” Mikal Bridges said postgame.
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The Knicks deployed a balanced attack in Game 3, with three players scoring more than 20 points and six scoring in double figures. Jalen Brunson led the way with a game-high 30 points, and sharpshooter Landry Shamet chipped in with 14 points off the bench.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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New York has a chance to closeout the series and punch its ticket to the NBA Finals with a Game 4 victory over the Cavaliers on Monday night. If not, they’ll return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5.
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