The New York Knicks pulled off a stunning 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, rallying from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson led the way with 38 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, while Mikal Bridges added 18 points and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. The Knicks now hold a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points and 6 steals, controlled much of the game and held a 93-71 lead late in the fourth. But a late offensive drought and a wave of turnovers allowed New York to make a historic run. Cleveland’s frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen struggled on the defensive glass, combining for 14 rebounds but failing to stop the Knicks’ second-chance surge.
Mitchell and James Harden will need to adjust quickly in Game 2. The Cavaliers must maintain composure in crunch time after squandering a huge lead. Cleveland's half-court execution and rebounding will be tested against a Knicks team that now has OG Anunoby back in the fold. With the Garden crowd behind them, New York will look to build on their momentum.
The betting line favors the Knicks as -5.5 home favorites, with an over/under of 213.5. Cleveland is a significant underdog on the moneyline at +180. Despite the odds, the Cavaliers are expected to respond with a focused and disciplined performance. The key will be whether Cleveland can control the defensive glass and limit Towns and Brunson’s inside-out influence.
Game 2 is set for Thursday, May 21 at 8:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden. The winner will take a commanding 2-0 series lead heading into Cleveland for Game 3. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available to stream on Fubo.
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