By Daniel Feuerstein | Cleveland, OH | May 23rd, 2026
The Eastern Conference Finals moved to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland, where the New York Knicks came ready to play in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. From the opening tip to the end of the game, the Knicks just took advantage of the Cavaliers, who looked lethargic and still reeling from their Game 1 loss, dropping a 22-point lead and losing in overtime. This time, the Knicks muscled and powered their way to a win by the final score of 121-108.
The Knicks were locked in and ready to go. They never took their foot off the gas or off the necks of the Cavaliers. They outworked and did everything right in a blue-collar fashion. They took care of business and are now one game away from reaching the NBA Finals. All five starters finished in double figures, and Landry Shamet, coming off the bench, was also in double figures. Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 30 points. Mikal Bridges is second with 22 points, and O.G. Anunoby is third with 21 points. Evan Mobley led all Cavaliers with 24 points, and Donovan Mitchell is second with 23 points.
First Half: Knicks Domination at the start
The Knicks started the game on a 9-1 run, and even when the Cavs mounted a slight comeback, they never took the lead. The Cavs may have tied the game a few times, but they were never in a position to take a lead. The Knicks just abused the Cavaliers, taking advantage on defense and multiple fast break points after the Cavs made some shots. The Cavs Three point shooting was 4 for 19 in the first half. Brunson made a fast break to the hoop and hit the brakes, forcing Max Strus to fall backwards. Brunson then hit a pull-up jumper.
Second Half: Knicks defense continues to force turnovers
At the start of the second half, the Knicks continued to dominate the backcourt with strong defense and scoring points on turnovers. Karl Anthony Towns found a way to use two hands to block a shot and gave the ball to Brunson, who started to dribble, and made a bounce pass to Bridges as he finished it off with a layup. The Knicks took advantage of transition plays and got help from Landry Shamet, who scored 14 points and was 4 for 5 from behind the three-point line. And the Knicks are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals.
KEY STATS:
NEW YORK: 43 FOR 77 FG’S, 11 FOR 28 3PTS, 24 FOR 27 FT’S
CLEVELAND: 42 FOR 84 FG’S, 12 FOR 41 3PTS, 12 FOR 19
LARGEST LEAD KNICKS WITH 16 POINTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER
MOST POINTS: KNICKS WITH 37 POINTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER
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