The New York Knicks erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime during a historic Game 1 comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Knicks delivered one of the most unforgettable playoff comebacks in NBA history Tuesday night, rallying from a massive fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.
For most of the night, the Cavaliers appeared fully in control. Cleveland dominated the first three quarters with aggressive defense, efficient scoring, and strong performances from Donovan Mitchell and the supporting cast. Early in the fourth quarter, the Cavs held a commanding 22-point lead, and the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden had gone quiet.
Then everything changed.
Led by superstar guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks erupted with a furious late-game run that completely shifted the momentum of the series opener. Brunson took over in clutch fashion, attacking Cleveland’s defense repeatedly and knocking down critical shots when New York needed them most. He finished the game with 38 points, including a dominant stretch in the final minutes of regulation and overtime.
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The Knicks closed regulation on an incredible scoring surge, with role players stepping up at key moments. Landry Shamet drilled a massive game-tying three-pointer, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby added timely baskets and defensive stops that helped complete the comeback. New York’s energy on both ends of the floor overwhelmed Cleveland late in the game.
Once overtime began, the momentum belonged entirely to the Knicks. New York opened the extra period with another strong run while Cleveland’s offense completely stalled. The Cavaliers managed only a few points in overtime as the Knicks continued attacking relentlessly in front of a roaring home crowd.
The collapse was especially painful for Cleveland because the team had controlled nearly every aspect of the game for three quarters. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 29 points, but the offense struggled badly down the stretch. Turnovers, missed shots, and defensive breakdowns allowed New York to storm back into the contest.
According to reports, the comeback became the largest postseason comeback in Knicks franchise history and one of the biggest fourth-quarter rallies ever seen in NBA playoff history.
The victory also extended New York’s playoff momentum and immediately gave the Knicks a major confidence boost heading deeper into the series. After the game, much of the basketball world praised the Knicks for their resilience and composure under pressure, while criticism quickly turned toward Cleveland’s inability to close out the game.
Game 1 may have only counted as a single win, but emotionally it felt much bigger for New York. The Knicks not only protected home court, they also delivered a statement performance that could reshape the entire Eastern Conference Finals.
If this dramatic opener is any indication, basketball fans may be in for an unforgettable series between two teams fighting for a trip to the NBA Finals.
