New York Knicks Sweep Cavaliers to Reach NBA Finals

The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93, completing a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals on Monday, May 25, 2026. The game took place in Cleveland, and it was a testament to the Knicks’ strength in this playoff season.

Karl-Anthony Towns shined with 19 points and 14 rebounds. OG Anunoby supported with 17 points, while Landry Shamet added 16 points from the bench. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each contributed 15 points. This victory marked the Knicks as the fourth team to maintain an 11-game playoff winning streak, a feat last achieved by Golden State in their 15-game run in 2017.

“I feel like the word ‘hope’ has been gone from the New York Knicks name for a long time and for me to be part of this team that revives hope is something special,” Towns said.

The Knicks dominated the game, pulling their starters with 7:47 left. Their strong fan base, including director Spike Lee, comedian Tracy Morgan, and actor Timothée Chalamet, celebrated loudly in Cleveland.

Coach Mike Brown praised the performance, especially the 65 points from offensive rebounds and fast breaks, a rare achievement this late in the season. The Knicks had a significant edge in second-chance points and fast break points.

New York will face either the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the finals. With the Western Conference finals tied at two games each, the deciding Game 5 will take place in Oklahoma City. The Thunder or Spurs will have homecourt advantage in the finals due to a better regular-season record.

This marks the Knicks’ third NBA Finals appearance. They previously reached the finals in 1994 and 1999 but lost both times. Knicks legends Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Patrick Ewing presented the Bob Cousy Trophy to the team on the court, marking a milestone as Coach Brown reached the finals in his first year.

The Knicks secured each playoff series with commanding victories, winning the decisive games by at least 30 points. Jalen Brunson earned the series MVP title for averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists.

From Cleveland’s side, Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points. Despite Mitchell’s performance, the Cavaliers struggled, marking their first postseason sweep since the 2018 NBA Finals.

“They’re playing better basketball. You got to give them credit. They’re on a heater. I don’t want to detract from what we’ve done, but sometimes you’ve got to give the other team credit,” said Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson.

The game began with Cleveland taking an early lead but New York soon took over, leading 68-49 at halftime. The Knicks showed strength with four players in double figures. In the second half, they extended their lead to as much as 45 points.

James Harden, who noted the missed opportunities, expressed disappointment in Cleveland’s performance throughout the series, particularly highlighting a blown 22-point lead in Game 1.