NEW YORK — Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown picked up an unexpected injury while trying to call a timeout in the closing moments of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, a contest the New York Knicks eventually won 115-104 in overtime at Madison Square Garden.
Brown told reporters Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that he “tweaked” his calf as he sprinted toward midcourt with seconds left in regulation. The coach waved frantically for a timeout after Sam Merrill’s potential go-ahead three-pointer rattled out. Officials did not see him, and Mikal Bridges corralled the rebound before launching a desperation shot as time expired.
Television cameras later showed Brown limping near the scorer’s table. Despite the scare, he said the issue is not serious. “It’s all right. I’m good to go,” Brown said, according to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post.
The 54-year-old even joked that his footwear saved him from further damage. “I would’ve blown my Achilles out if I didn’t have on my P.F. Flyers,” he quipped. “It’s old school.”
With the Knicks holding a 1-0 series lead, guard Jalen Brunson expects the Cavaliers to respond forcefully in Game 2. “We know that they’re gonna be ready to go,” Brunson said Wednesday. “Being able to steal one at our home, after the way they played most of the game, we know that they’re definitely gonna be ready to do.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Hoops Wire
