With the win, New York now holds a 2-0 series lead and extended its impressive postseason run to nine straight playoff victories.
The Knicks delivered a complete team performance, but it was Josh Hart who stole the spotlight with a playoff career-high 26 points. Hart knocked down five three-pointers and added seven assists as the Knicks overwhelmed Cleveland in the second half.
Jalen Brunson, despite a slow scoring start, controlled the game brilliantly with 19 points and a playoff career-high 14 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a dominant double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Mikal Bridges also contributed 19 points in another efficient outing for New York.
After a tightly contested first half that ended 53-49 in favor of the Knicks, the game completely shifted in the third quarter. New York erupted on a devastating 18-0 scoring run that left the Cavaliers struggling to recover. Cleveland managed just 44 second-half points as the Knicks’ defense tightened and their offense caught fire.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, but he received little offensive support as Cleveland shot poorly from beyond the arc and failed to keep pace with New York’s ball movement and energy. Jarrett Allen added 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Evan Mobley showed flashes early before fading after halftime.
The Knicks’ starting lineup combined for 96 points and consistently punished Cleveland on both ends of the floor. Their aggressive defense disrupted the Cavaliers’ rhythm, while Brunson’s playmaking created open looks throughout the night.
Now carrying a commanding 2-0 advantage, the Knicks head to Cleveland with momentum firmly on their side and just two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in decades.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night in Cleveland as the Cavaliers attempt to revive their championship hopes against a red-hot New York side.