Key Takeaways:
- Donovan Mitchell tallied 23 points as Cleveland overcame New York 109-94
- Jarrett Allen recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, marking the Cavaliers’ eighth victory in their last nine outings
- Both teams now stand at 37-22, with the Knicks holding the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker after two wins in three meetings
Match Recap
The Cleveland Cavaliers produced a dominant second-half performance to secure a 109-94 win over the New York Knicks at home on Tuesday evening. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 23 points, and James Harden contributed 20, helping the Cavaliers pull away after a closely contested first half.
W on home turf.
📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/dgwj4Z2JnS@Redfin | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/lQCuVDjN63
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 25, 2026
Key Performances and Team Statistics
Jarrett Allen provided a strong inside presence with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, playing a pivotal role as the Cavaliers claimed their eighth victory in nine games. Jalen Brunson finished with 20 points for the Knicks, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 18. Mitchell Robinson was a force on the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds – equaling his season best.
New York struggled offensively, converting just 35 of 86 attempts, as Bridges and Brunson combined to shoot 12 for 36 from the floor. The Knicks also managed only 10 of 37 shots (27%) from beyond the arc, despite Cleveland’s reputation for having the league’s fourth-worst perimeter defence entering the contest.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 23 | 5 | 4 |
| James Harden | Cavaliers | 20 | 2 | 4 |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 19 | 10 | 1 |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 20 | 1 | 4 |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 18 | 4 | 2 |
| Mitchell Robinson | Knicks | 11 | 16 | 1 |
Turning Point: Third Quarter Dominance
The Cavaliers entered half-time holding a 60-54 lead before decisively outplaying New York in the third quarter. Cleveland outscored the Knicks 23-11 in the period, limiting the visitors to just 3 of 24 shooting – marking New York’s poorest shooting quarter since 2018, when they managed only 3 of 20 against Boston in the fourth quarter. Harden produced eight points during the third, while Allen added six.
This defensive effort matched the Cavaliers’ previous best for fewest field goals conceded in a quarter, last achieving the feat against Minnesota last season (2 of 20).
Late Surge and Standings Implications
Cleveland led 71-63 before mounting a decisive 13-2 run over a five-minute stretch spanning late in the third quarter and into the early stages of the fourth. Their advantage surged to a game-high 98-78 midway through the final quarter.
Following this result, both clubs sit tied at 37-22 in the Eastern Conference, level for third place. However, New York currently holds the edge for the coveted head-to-head tiebreaker after winning two of three encounters with the Cavaliers this season.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Knicks are scheduled to visit Milwaukee on Friday. The Cavaliers will also face Milwaukee – that clash is set for Wednesday, marking the start of Cleveland’s three-game road trip.
