The New York Knicks pulled off a historic comeback Tuesday from 22 points down in the fourth period to triumph 115-104 in overtime against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA East Finals in a nail-biting finish.
The Cavaliers led 93-71 with 7.52 to play in the fourth period, but a 30-8 run by the Knicks sent the game into overtime and paved the way for the biggest comeback in the last 13 years of the NBA playoffs.
Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 38 points between the fourth period and overtime and finished the game 15-of-29 from the field, five rebounds and six assists.
Cavaliers collapse in the decisive moment
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“We kept fighting, believing. We found a way, I really don’t know what to say,” Brunson said after the game.
The Knicks’ final margin was 44-11 against a Cavs team that, after winning Game 7 of the East semifinals against the Detroit Pistons last Sunday, melted down when they were a step away from the finish line.
Brunson was supported by Mikal Bridges (18 points), Dominican Karl Anthony Towns (13 points and 13 rebounds), Josh Hart (13 points) and OG Anunoby (13).
Un final de infarto
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The Cavs had it won, but succumbed in the fourth period.
Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and even six steals, but only scored three points in the fourth period.
James Harden poured in 15 points, but finished 1-for-7 between the fourth period and overtime as the Cavs lost lucidity.
Evan Mobley posted a double-double of fifteen points and fourteen rebounds, but the Cavs suffered a tough loss in New York.
A two-sided match
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It was a game that started with low percentages for both teams.
The Cavaliers scored just 16 points in the first quarter and the Knicks punished their opponents’ turnovers to take an 11-point lead.
But the Cavs woke up in time and turned the game around in the second quarter.
They went on a 10-0 run that brought them within one point at 37-38.
And they closed the segment with a 21-8 run that allowed them to take a two-point margin into the locker room at 46-44.
The Cavs got off to a rough start from beyond the arc, but hit six of their last three-point attempts.
Led by Mitchell, who had 16 points at halftime.
The Knicks choked on the three-pointer and barely scored two of 19 made.
Mitchell, a New York native, not only hurt the Knicks offensively, but also in the other half of the court.
He already had six steals at the beginning of the third quarter, in which the Cavs took a nine-point lead (Filed under: Knicks historic comeback against Cavaliers).
Madison Square Garden are left in shock
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The Cavs continued to play aggressively and crisply, took good shots and took full advantage of center Mitchell Robinson’s struggles from the free throw line.
Robinson missed as many as six times from the line and even Jalen Brunson committed three errors, unusual for him.
And with an unstoppable Mitchell, the Cavs shot their lead to 22 points.
The Knicks could not find answers and several New York fans began to leave Madison Square Garden with their team down 22 points.
They missed a finale to their franchise’s history.
Because the Knicks changed the dynamic of the game in the most unexpected way.
With Jalen Brunson in his clutch version, the locals sealed an amazing 30-8 win that sent the game to overtime (Filed under: Knicks historic comeback against Cavaliers).
A historic night in New York
Mikal Bridges, who with his team down 22 points launched a three-pointer without reaching the rim, connected on two key three-point shots.
Landry Shamet tied the game at 99 with another shot from beyond the arc, with help from the hoop.
The Knicks, with momentum in their favor, did not let the opportunity pass them by.
They only conceded three points to the Cavs in overtime and their 14-3 run capped a remarkable comeback.
With information from EFE
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