The New York Knicks handed the Cleveland Cavaliers a 109-93 defeat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Josh Hart led the way with a career playoff-high 26 points and seven assists. Hart shot 5-11 from three-point range after struggling early in the game.
"I was kind of frustrated, I've been putting in the reps," Hart said. "It's not translating right now. I just knew I would keep shooting and if I did that, I would be good."
Hart’s resilience was key as the Knicks controlled the tempo and outplayed the Cavs on both ends of the floor. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each added 19 points. Brunson was a force from the floor with 14 assists, helping the Knicks move the ball effectively and exploit Cleveland’s defensive schemes.
Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Hart’s adjustments and determination after benching him for Game 1. "It's just who Josh is. He's a gamer. He knew what he had to do in terms of adjustments he needed to make in order to be effective," Brown said. "He was great, he was decisive."
The Knicks’ balanced attack and relentless energy overwhelmed the Cavaliers, who shot just 38.8% from the field. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points but struggled to find consistent support from his teammates.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the impact of Brunson’s playmaking. "Obviously we're loaded up more to him, and he found other guys," Atkinson said. "We just got to find that balance, but 14 assists, but credit to him, right? Took away some of the scoring options, blitzed him, gave him different looks."
New York has now won nine consecutive playoff games, a franchise record in the modern playoff era. With the series heading to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday, the Knicks are looking to close out the series on the road and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1994.
The Knicks will aim to extend their dominance while the Cavaliers must regroup quickly and find a way to slow down the relentless offense led by Hart and Brunson.
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