Knicks vs Cavaliers: Josh Hart powers New York past Cleveland for commanding 2-0 Eastern Conference finals lead

New York Knicks moved within one win of a commanding position in the Eastern Conference finals after defeating the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 series lead. After a relatively quiet performance in Game 1, Josh Hart responded in impressive fashion, scoring 26 points and playing a key role in New York’s dominant second-half display. Hart scored nine points during a decisive 18-0 third-quarter run that completely shifted momentum in the Knicks’ favor. He also added seven assists while shooting 10-for-21 from the field, including five 3-pointers.


The Knicks continued their red-hot playoff form with contributions across the lineup. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson finished with 19 points and 14 assists. Mikal Bridges added 19 points and OG Anunoby chipped in with 14. New York have now won nine straight games dating back to the first round of the playoffs and heads into Game 3 in Cleveland full of confidence.



For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell led the scoring with 26 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden scored 18 points and Evan Mobley added 14.


The game remained close through the first half before the Knicks exploded after halftime. Cleveland briefly tied the score early in the third quarter, but Brunson sparked New York’s huge scoring run with a deep 3-pointer. During the stretch, the Cavaliers missed seven straight shots, committed turnovers, and quickly fell behind by 18 points.

Cleveland attempted a fourth-quarter comeback, but Anunoby’s timely 3-pointer halted the rally as the Knicks comfortably closed out another strong postseason victory.