New York Knicks beat Cleveland Cavaliers after historic 22-point comeback
The New York Knicks overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, securing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Jalen Brunson scored 38 points to inspire one of the greatest postseason recoveries in basketball history.
The home side appeared destined for a heavy defeat after falling 93-71 behind with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation.
However, an astonishing 18-1 scoring run dragged the hosts back into the contest before tying the game with just 19 seconds left.
Playmaker sparks stunning late revival
The dynamic point guard relentlessly attacked James Harden defensively during the decisive late surge.
Overtime then belonged entirely to the home team, who launched a 9-0 run while a delirious crowd celebrated in the aisles.
“I don’t have an answer for you. We got some stops, we kept fighting, kept believing.” Jalen Brunson
“Just kept chipping away. They were playing great basketball, and we just found a way.”
Historic comeback stuns visitors
This result marks only the second time in 30 postseasons that a franchise has successfully erased a 22-point deficit in the final period.
Before this dramatic encounter, teams facing such an imposing late margin possessed a dismal 1-594 postseason record.
Mikal Bridges provided crucial support with 18 points, while three other roster members each contributed 13.
Among those was OG Anunoby, who made vital plays upon returning from a two-game absence caused by a strained right hamstring.
Mitchell effort in vain for collapsing Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell led the visitors with a game-high 29 points before their sudden and spectacular collapse.
The Ohio-based outfit had previously seemed entirely in control and poised to secure a third consecutive road victory.
Instead, momentum shifts completely toward New York, who now sit just three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.