Key Takeaways:
- The New York Knicks secured a 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden
- Jalen Brunson delivered a game-high 38 points, with 17 coming in the final 12 minutes and 45 seconds as the Knicks overturned a 22-point deficit
- The Cavaliers will aim to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday
First-Half Rust and Dramatic Turnaround
The New York Knicks entered Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals following a nine-day rest, yet that downtime initially disrupted their offensive flow. Through the first 40 minutes, the Knicks managed only 71 points over 82 possessions, a marked contrast to their previous playoff rounds where they averaged over 120 points per 100 possessions.
In contrast, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had competed every other day across the preceding three weeks, appeared more cohesive and energetic during the opening stages. The Cavaliers quickly built and protected a significant lead through the majority of the contest.
However, the situation shifted entirely in the closing quarter. Armed with fresher legs and a resurgent attack, the Knicks, spearheaded by Jalen Brunson, stormed back, outscoring the Cavaliers 44-11 during the final 12:45 of regulation and overtime to secure a 1-0 series advantage.
🏆 TUESDAY'S FINAL SCORES 🏆
Jalen Brunson shines as the @nyknicks complete their largest comeback in a postseason game in franchise history (22 points) to win in OT and take a 1-0 series lead in the NBA Conference Finals presented by @Google!
Mikal Bridges: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Game… pic.twitter.com/b2mrmdO1mO
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2026
Brunson’s Masterclass and Crucial Matchup Shifts
Jalen Brunson elevated his performance when it mattered most. With just under eight minutes remaining in regulation and the Knicks trailing by 22, Brunson was struggling at 7-for-19 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range. Early successes against Jarrett Allen in pick-and-roll situations were neutralised as Cleveland adjusted, but Brunson then refocused his efforts.
Targeting James Harden in defensive switches, Brunson initiated a sequence of eight consecutive possessions exploiting matchups with Harden or Dean Wade. Harden only managed a block on the second attempt during this stretch; otherwise, Brunson exploited the switches time and again. The Knicks scored on every one of these possessions, the run culminating in Brunson’s step-back three-pointer over Harden that narrowed the deficit to five with 3:30 left.
Cleveland responded by sending double-teams at Brunson, leaving his teammates open to sink critical three-pointers. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Landry Shamet each converted long-range shots to pull New York level at 99 points with less than a minute remaining.
While Harden briefly replied with an isolation basket, the Cavaliers again trusted Harden on Brunson without a double-team. Brunson swiftly struck with a floater, tying the game at 19.3 seconds to play. Cleveland could not convert on their final possession, sending the contest to overtime.
Cavaliers’ Offence Stalls in Critical Moments
While Brunson propelled New York’s attack, Cleveland suffered an untimely offensive collapse. During the closing 12:45, the Cavaliers mustered only 11 points on 24 possessions, accumulating six turnovers while registering just four field goals. The team shot 2-for-7 inside the arc, 2-for-11 from three, and went 1-for-4 from the free throw line.
Attempts to isolate Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were stifled by the Knicks’ resolute defence. Despite open opportunities, Evan Mobley’s three-point attempts fell short, and Cleveland’s previously fluid ball movement stagnated. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson admitted, “This can happen when you get a little fatigued… it just got a little stagnant.”
Donovan Mitchell reflected on the defeat, stating the responsibility belonged “not just on one person,” in reference to criticism of Harden’s defensive switches.
Landry Shamet’s Vital Bench Contribution
The Knicks’ bench, a strength throughout the postseason, proved influential once more. Landry Shamet’s defensive and offensive impact fueled New York’s comeback. Replacing Mitchell Robinson with 7:52 left, coach Mike Brown kept Shamet on with the starters, barring Josh Hart.
Shamet delivered a pivotal defensive stand by forcing Mitchell to pick up his dribble, contesting a Mobley cut, and successfully drawing a charge. In overtime, he further contained Mitchell, who finished scoreless over the final 12:45, missing all five of his attempts. Offensively, Shamet contributed nine points during the rally, sinking all three of his three-point efforts—including the game-tying shot with 44.3 seconds to play in regulation.
Pivotal Bounces, Series Outlook, and Key Statistics
Shamet’s tying three-pointer, set up by a Brunson double-team, narrowly dropped after bouncing on the rim—a moment emblematic of New York’s luck in the closing stages. Conversely, in Cleveland’s final possession, Sam Merrill’s pick-and-pop three-point attempt rattled in and out, denying the Cavaliers a regulation victory.
The victory was especially historic: entering Monday, teams were just 1-521 during the season when trailing by at least 20 points in the fourth quarter. In playoff history across the past 30 years, clubs in that situation had gone 3-748. Furthermore, the Cavaliers had won their previous 22 games in which they led by 10 points or more at any stage.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, as Cleveland seeks to even the series.
Historic Context
- Before Tuesday, an NBA team trailing by 20+ points in the fourth quarter had won just once in 521 opportunities this season
- Over 30 years of play-by-play data, playoff teams in similar deficits were 3-748 prior to this outcome
- The Cavaliers had previously won 22 straight games when leading by at least 10 points
