The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared to be in full control Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, building a 22-point cushion with 7:40 remaining, yet still lost 115-104 in overtime to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The collapse was historic. According to Inside the NBA, postseason teams that led by at least 22 points had been 524-1 all time; Cleveland became only the second club to squander such an advantage.
Guard Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 29 points and six steals, directing an offense that hummed for three quarters. Forward Evan Mobley anchored the paint defensively and exploited mismatches after halftime, while center Jarrett Allen controlled the interior. Reserve shooters Sam Merrill and Dean Wade also contributed key baskets as New York appeared fatigued.
Everything changed in the final minutes. Cleveland’s offense stagnated, possessions dissolved into isolation dribbles, and the ball stopped moving. Sensing vulnerability, the Knicks surged behind Jalen Brunson, who poured in 15 fourth-quarter points. An 18-1 New York run forced overtime, where timely three-pointers from Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet sealed the comeback.
Defensively, Cleveland struggled to slow Brunson, repeatedly switching James Harden onto the Knicks’ guard without success. Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s group never regained composure, calling timeout only after New York’s decisive burst.
The defeat flips home-court advantage and leaves the Cavaliers needing a response in Thursday’s Game 2 to avoid returning to Cleveland trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.
Source: Hoops Wire
