’What a Run,’ ’It’s Really Happening’ — NBA World Buzzes As Knicks Extend Playoff Win Streak to 9 Games, Inch Closer to Finals Berth
'What a Run,' 'It's Really Happening' -- NBA World Buzzes As Knicks Extend Playoff Win Streak to 9 Games, Inch Closer to Finals Berth The New York Knicks overcame a rough shooting night from Jalen Brunson to take a commanding 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals behind a well-rounded team effort, including an unexpected offensive outburst from Josh Hart. Thursday’s decisive 109-93 Game 2 home victory extended the Knicks’ improbable playoff winning streak to nine games, moving the franchise within two wins of its first NBA Finals berth since 1999. New York’s continued success generated major online buzz, with the NBA world speculating about Brunson and Co.
’s chances of winning it all. Knicks’ 9th Straight Postseason Win Fuels Hype As Historic Finals Appearance Draws Near New York gave its fan base a scare early in the postseason after falling behind 2-1 to the sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in Round 1 following a pair of last-second losses. However, the Knicks have gone undefeated ever since, including sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers 4-0 in Round 2 and pulling off a miraculous 22-point fourth-quarter comeback in Game 1 against Cleveland behind Brunson’s 38-point explosion.
Thursday was a different story, as the star guard faced far more defensive pressure, logging just 2 first-half points. Still, New York was in control for most of the night, gaining separation behind an 18-0 third-quarter run. All five of New York’s starters finished with 14-plus points, led by Hart’s playoff career-high 26-point performance as he capitalized on open looks throughout the night.
Meanwhile, Brunson chipped in a postseason career-best 14 assists, positively impacting his squad despite his relatively quiet 19-point showing. MORE: ‘Pure Comedy’ — NBA World Reacts to Dillon Brooks’ Board Game Roasting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Foul-Baiting The Knicks’ nine-game playoff winning streak marks the NBA’s longest since the Boston Celtics’ 10-game victory run en route to capturing the 2024 title, fueling optimism surrounding one of the league’s preeminent franchises. “The New York Knicks’ 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers proved that the Knicks can win an NBA Championship!
Tonight they showed that they can win even when Jalen Brunson doesn’t have a big game,” Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson gushed . “The New York Knicks are clearly proving to be the NBA’s 3rd best team,” veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless remarked . “The Knicks have won 9 playoff games in a row and are now 10-2 in the playoffs.