The New York Knicks staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals on May 19 at Madison Square Garden [1, 2, 3].
Jalen Brunson led the charge with 38 points, including 17 points in the final 12 minutes and 39 seconds covering the fourth quarter and overtime [1, 2, 3]. The Knicks outscored the Cavaliers 44-11 in the fourth quarter and added a 14-3 run in overtime to complete the rally [1, 3].
New York’s game plan focused on attacking Cleveland guard James Harden on defense. The Knicks used a record 27 picks overall and 16 in the fourth quarter to force switches and isolate Harden against Brunson [4]. Knicks head coach Mike Brown said, "There is no secret: We were attacking Harden," and "You got to do what the game dictates. They were doing the same thing with Jalen so we said, two can play that game" [2, 3].
Harden struggled down the stretch, shooting just 1-for-6 from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts in the fourth quarter while guarding Brunson [2, 3]. He finished Game 1 with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 turnovers and was minus-6 on the floor [3]. Harden acknowledged Brunson’s tough play: "He made some tough ones, but we obviously all know he’s a great 1-on-1 player. Anybody on an island, it’s going to be difficult, so we’ve got to do a better job of making sure he sees bodies" [3].
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson said the team made defensive adjustments but they "did not work in the fourth quarter," adding, "Listen, he’s been one of our best defenders and a big player in the playoffs. I trust him. He’s smart, great hands" [3].
The Knicks’ comeback is the second-largest fourth-quarter rally in NBA playoff history since 1997, when teams leading by 22 points in the fourth were 594-1 all time in the postseason before this game [1].
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals is set for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Madison Square Garden with tipoff at 8 p.m. ET [3].
