Shamet’s Late Three-Pointers Fuel Knicks’ Record Conference Finals Comeback
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The New York Knicks would not have completed Tuesday night’s stunning rally against the Cleveland Cavaliers without reserve guard Landry Shamet. The veteran logged 17 minutes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden, 14 of them during the fourth quarter and overtime, when he knocked down three critical three-pointers, including the game-tying shot inside the final minute of regulation. New York erased a 22-point deficit and eventually prevailed in overtime.
After the win, point guard Jalen Brunson credited Shamet for staying ready. “He’s up to any task you put in front of him. We have utmost faith in him,” Brunson said, according to the New York Post.
Historic Rally
The NBA confirmed the Knicks’ comeback was the largest fourth-quarter recovery in a conference finals contest since the league began tracking play-by-play data in 1997. Madison Square Garden erupted as Brunson led the surge and Cleveland faltered down the stretch.
Towns Contained but Content
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points and five assists, his lowest assist total since coach Mike Brown reshaped the offense earlier in the postseason. Despite the modest line, the All-Star center focused on the outcome. “I think the Knicks found a way to win tonight, and that’s all that matters,” Towns said.
Cleveland’s frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen pressured Towns throughout the night, disrupting the point-center sets that fueled New York’s recent momentum. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the game plan was designed to make Towns uncomfortable.
Anunoby Shakes Off Rust
Forward OG Anunoby, back after a hamstring injury, needed time to find his rhythm. He scored just four points in regulation before adding nine points and three rebounds in overtime. “Just as the game went on I felt more and more like myself,” Anunoby said.
Robinson and the Foul-Line Dilemma
Center Mitchell Robinson was effective early but became a target of Cleveland’s intentional-foul strategy in the second half. Robinson went 2-for-8 at the free-throw line, forcing Brown to juggle his rotation. “Mitch can impact the game in different ways. We need him on the floor,” the coach stated.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Hoops Wire
