The New York Knicks thrashed the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 on Monday night, securing a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals. This victory propels the Knicks into the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Karl Anthony-Towns impressed with 19 points and 14 rebounds. OG Anunoby contributed 17 points, while Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each added 15 points. The Knicks have now achieved an 11-game winning streak in the postseason. They are the fourth team in history to do so, following the Golden State Warriors’ 15-game run in 2017.
With a commanding 35-point lead, the Knicks rested their starters with 7:47 left in the game. The New York fans, who dominated the crowd, celebrated vociferously. Notable celebrities like Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner were present in support of the Knicks.
The Knicks will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. The Western Conference finals are currently tied 2-2, with Game 5 scheduled in Oklahoma City. The Thunder or Spurs will have home-court advantage due to their better regular-season record. The Finals commence on June 3.
This marks the Knicks’ third Finals appearance since their last championship in 1973. They were defeated by Houston in 1994 and by San Antonio in 1999. Coach Mike Brown, in his first year with the Knicks, has led the team to the Finals. He previously guided Cleveland to the Finals in 2007.
Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points for Cleveland, who faced a series sweep for the first time since the 2018 Finals against Golden State. Although the Cavaliers started strong, leading early with an 8-2 score, New York seized control. Evan Mobley’s dunk put Cleveland ahead 17-14 before the Knicks scored nine consecutive points.
The Knicks executed a 20-0 run, pulling ahead significantly during a five-minute period. They shot 8 of 14 from the field, including four successful 3-pointers. During Cleveland’s dry spell, they missed all shots and committed four turnovers. By halftime, the Knicks led 68-49.
New York had four players in double figures by halftime. Towns recorded a double-double, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Knicks achieved their largest lead, 45 points, in the fourth quarter.
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