Cavs vs. Knicks Game 3: How to watch, odds, and injury report
Can the Cavs climb out of a 2-0 hole for the second series in a row?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers have been here before.
They were down 0-2 against the Detroit Pistons after two uninspiring performances on the road. Then, they rallied back to take the series after playing up to their skill level for four of the final five games. Cleveland will need to do that again if they want to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
However, coming back against the New York Knicks will be a much more difficult task. The Cavs had a golden opportunity to take control of the series in Game 1, but couldn’t close out a 22-point advantage and lost in overtime. Game 2 didn’t feature the same kind of collapse, but once again a rough six-minute stretch is what cost them.
New York scored 18 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Poor outside shooting has done the Cavs in throughout the series. They’ve connected on just 29.