Knicks vs. Cavaliers: 3 keys for New York in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Finals
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to force overtime and win the series opener, 115-104. New York went on a 44-11 run over the final 12 minutes and 49 seconds of the game.
The Knicks seemed dead in the water. After a cold shooting night and an out-of-sorts defensive performance through three-and-a-half quarters, the Knicks were down 93-71 to the Cleveland Cavaliers with just 7 minutes and 52 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It would’ve made sense to take the loss and fight another day.
But Jalen Brunson had other plans. The All-Star guard led New York to force overtime and win the series opener, 115-104 . New York went on a 44-11 run over the final 12 minutes and 49 seconds of the game.
After the wondrous comeback, there are three keys to think about ahead of Game 2 on Thursday. Brunson Burner What else is there to say about Brunson? The Knicks All-Star had 38 points, five rebounds and six assists.
He took over the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring a combined 17 points. As he hunted James Harden to defend him on switches, Brunson became the conductor, directing where everyone was on the court. By the final possessions of the fourth quarter, he forced Cleveland to double team him, leading to three-pointers from Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet .