A commanding second-half surge propelled the New York Knicks to a decisive 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday (PH time), extending their advantage to 2-0 in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers initially set the pace, holding a slim 27-24 lead at the conclusion of the opening quarter. However, the Knicks quickly recalibrated in the second frame, executing a sharp turnaround to head into the locker room with a 53-49 edge at halftime.
New York blew the game open in the third period. Capitalizing on offensive momentum and stifling defense, the hosts outpaced Cleveland to build a comfortable 85-70 cushion entering the final quarter. The Knicks firmly controlled the tempo through the remaining 12 minutes, neutralizing any comeback attempts by the Cavaliers to protect their home court and seal the 16-point win.
Josh Hart spearheaded the New York offense, delivering a stellar performance with a playoff career-high 26 points, alongside four rebounds and seven assists.
”While Jalen Brunson orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 14 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.”
On the visitors’ side, Donovan Mitchell matched Hart’s output with 26 points, while veteran guard James Harden chipped in 18 points and six rebounds. Center Jarrett Allen anchored the interior with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, but their combined efforts fell short against New York’s depth.
With a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Knicks will now travel to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will look to bounce back on their home floor for Game 3.