New York Knicks Reach NBA Finals After 27 Years, Sweeping Cleveland Cavaliers

The Knicks decisively defeated the Cavaliers in their fourth game, securing a complete series sweep. Jalen Brunson was honored as the series MVP, while James Harden had a disappointing performance and Dennis Schröder was unable to play.

With 8:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, the traveling fans and VIP guests erupted in chants of «Knicks in four,» and Head Coach Mike Brown confidently removed his remaining starters from the court. New York held a commanding 109-76 lead in Cleveland, assured of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. This was another demonstration of the Knicks’ dominance over the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers (E4) — New York Knicks (E3) 93:130 — Series: 0-4

The Cavaliers, who Head Coach Kenny Atkinson claimed were «analytically» leading the series 2-1, were determined to avoid an early exit. This was particularly true for Donovan Mitchell, who hit two early three-pointers to give his team an 8-2 lead. The Cavaliers competed fiercely through the first quarter, with Evan Mobley’s putback making it 17-14.

Then, New York took control. The Knicks initiated a 9-0 run and followed it with a 20-0 run between the first and second quarters, effectively deciding the game before halftime. The Knicks extended their lead to +29 by halftime, with four players already scoring in double figures.

There was no resurgence from the home team. «They are playing better basketball. You just have to give them credit. I don’t want to take away from our performance, but sometimes you just have to acknowledge the other team,» said Cavs Coach Atkinson, tipping his hat to the Knicks. In the fourth quarter, his team trailed by as many as 45 points. After a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 1, his team simply had no answer throughout the series.

‘Played Great Basketball’: Knicks Show No Mercy Against Cavs

The Knicks shot better from the field (49% vs. 42%), made more three-pointers (19 vs. 11), dominated the boards (60-33 rebounds, 20-6 offensive), moved the ball more effectively (33-21 assists), scored at will in the paint (50-36), forced numerous turnovers (22), and had their way in transition (33-9).

This marked the Knicks’ eleventh consecutive playoff victory. With the exception of a single game, the Knicks won all their games by at least ten points, averaging an impressive 23.7-point margin of victory. In their previous series against the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, New York also secured decisive wins in crucial games by +51 and +30, respectively.

«Our guys played great basketball,» raved Mike Brown, who became the 15th coach since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976 to reach the Finals in his first year with a team. This marks Brown’s second Finals appearance, having previously competed for the title in 2007 with a LeBron James-led Cavs team (unsuccessfully).

Brunson Named MVP — Shamet Lights It Up

For Jalen Brunson, this is his first trip to the Finals. The point guard contributed 15 points and 5 assists in Game 4 but was named MVP of the series, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field over the series. Karl-Anthony Towns needed only 26 minutes on the court to become the Knicks’ top scorer with an efficient 19 points and secured a double-double with 14 rebounds.

OG Anunoby (17) and Mikal Bridges (15) also scored in double figures, despite a combined struggle from beyond the arc (2/13 3FG). This was not the case for Landry Shamet, who came off the bench and perfectly sank four out of four three-pointers for 16 points. Throughout the series, Shamet has been remarkably solid, hitting eleven of his twelve long-range attempts.

Josh Hart (11 rebounds, 4 offensive) and Mitchell Robinson (10 rebounds, 5 offensive) wreaked havoc on the boards against the Cavs. This was also true for Ariel Hukporti. The German center was given nearly eight minutes of playing time in the final quarter, contributing 2 points, 5 rebounds (2 offensive), an assist, and a steal to the box score.

Mitchell Fights Back, Harden Disappoints, and Schröder is Out

A German duel did not materialize on this night. Dennis Schröder was a last-minute scratch due to illness. The DBB captain had to watch as Mitchell, with a strong 31 points (9/18 FG, 5/9 3FG, 8/10 FT), valiantly attempted to prevent the sweep.

Mitchell received little support. Evan Mobley added 15 points, while James Harden posted another dismal stat line. «The Beard» scored 12 points (2/8 FG, 0/6 3FG, 8/9 FT) and recorded 2 assists with 5 turnovers. Besides the threes, only Thomas Bryant managed to score in double figures during garbage time (10 PTS).

While the Cavaliers now head into their summer break and an intriguing offseason, the Knicks can relax and await the winner of the competitive Western Conference. Following a dominant performance by Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs recently tied their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2-2.

NBA: Series Schedule Between the Knicks and the Cavaliers