The New York Knicks didn’t want a historic comeback to take Recreation 2 of the Japanese Convention Finals from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
As a substitute, it was a dominant victory in regulation, 109-93, because the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead within the best-of-seven collection to Cleveland this weekend.
There was no hangover for the Cavaliers to start the sport, as they owned a 27-24 lead on the finish of the primary quarter. However the Knicks discovered their manner into the lead by halftime.
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Josh Hart of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball towards the Cleveland Cavaliers through the third quarter in Recreation Two of the NBA Japanese Convention Finals at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis on Might 21, 2026. (Sarah Stier/Getty Photographs)
It was the third quarter the place New York began to drag away, getting the lead as much as 18 factors because the Madison Sq. Backyard crowd went ballistic. The Knicks went on an 18-0 run at one level as nicely, which was paying homage to Recreation 1’s fourth-quarter comeback.
Nonetheless, Cleveland wasn’t letting off the gasoline regardless of the deficit. The Cavaliers minimize the 18-point lead in half with round 8:30 left within the fourth quarter, as New York struggled to purchase a basket.
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However as soon as OG Anunoby knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing, issues have been again to regular for the Knicks crowd.
Mikal Bridges, who had a stellar evening on each ends of the ground, hit a wide-open three with 6:12 remaining within the fourth that bought the lead again as much as 13 for the Knicks, and they’d coast from there.
Karl-Anthony Cities of the New York Knicks celebrates after making a basket towards the Cleveland Cavaliers through the third quarter in Recreation Two of the NBA Japanese Convention Finals at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis on Might 21, 2026. (Sarah Stier/Getty Photographs)
Jalen Brunson, the crew’s All-Star level guard, was phenomenal within the comeback on Tuesday evening, dropping 38 factors. However Cleveland made their sport plan recognized straight away on this matchup, placing strain on him to the purpose the place he’d be giving up the rock in double-teams.
In consequence, the Cavaliers have been superb with Josh Hart taking photographs as a substitute. Whereas the plan appeared to work within the first half a bit, Hart discovered his groove within the second and set a brand new profession excessive with a team-high 26 factors on 10-of-21 taking pictures, together with 5-of-11 from three-point vary. He additionally bought on the board with seven assists, 4 rebounds and two steals.
In the meantime, Brunson tallied 19 factors and dished out a playoff career-high 14 assists for New York. And as soon as once more, Karl-Anthony Cities recorded a double-double with 18 factors and 13 rebounds, enjoying effectively for Mike Brown’s Knicks.
With the lead again as much as 18 for the Knicks, all starters have been pulled with underneath two minutes to play, as the group gave their squad a standing ovation for a job nicely executed.
The Knicks shot 52% from the sphere and solely noticed 14 foul photographs all sport lengthy, however they held the Cavaliers to only 39% taking pictures as a crew. Cleveland additionally did not capitalize on key free throws late within the sport, as they have been within the bonus with over 9 minutes to play. As a crew, they shot simply 69% (22-of-32) from the charity stripe.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks dribbles towards the Cleveland Cavaliers through the third quarter in Recreation Two of the NBA Japanese Convention Finals at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis on Might 21, 2026. (Sarah Stier/Getty Photographs)
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Evan Mobley additionally had 14 factors within the first half, however he curiously did not take a single shot within the second half for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell matched Hart’s 26 factors, although he shot 8-of-18. James Harden additionally went 6-of-15 for 18 factors.
With the win, the Knicks have now received 9 straight playoff video games.
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