Knicks rally from 22 down to beat Cavaliers in overtime

May 20, 2026 / 11:24 AM

Sharjah24: The New York Knicks came back from 22 points down to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 after overtime in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

It looked like the Knicks were finished when they trailed 93-71 with 7:52 left in regulation. However, Jalen Brunson led a remarkable 18-1 run as New York fought back to level the game at 101-101 with 19.3 seconds remaining.

When Sam Merrill missed a three-pointer for Cleveland, the game went to overtime.

Dominant overtime finish

The Knicks then took control, scoring the first nine points of the extra period to seal the win.

Brunson, who finished with 38 points, admitted he could not explain how his team managed the comeback. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, while OG Anunoby, returning after missing two games due to injury, was one of three Knicks players to score 13 points.

Cavaliers fall short despite strong start

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 29 points, while James Harden added 15.

The Knicks now lead the best-of-seven series and will aim to extend their advantage in Game 2 on Thursday. The winner of the series will face either the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the finals.