Cavs vs Knicks Recap: OT thriller ends in NYK win

Madison Square Garden was electric on Tuesday night as the New York Knicks outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime. The final score was 115-104, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge when it mattered most. Brunson scored 38 points and controlled the game with his elite playmaking, especially down the stretch. Although Cleveland started strong behind Donovan Mitchell's scorching offense, New York's depth and resilience proved crucial. The Knicks trailed 83-69 entering the fourth quarter, but Brunson orchestrated a furious comeback that forced overtime. His ability to score in isolation while finding open teammates made him nearly impossible to defend. When the game reached extra time, Brunson stepped up again, proving why he's become the Knicks' indispensable engine. The victory marked a pivotal moment in this Round 2 matchup, with New York now leading the series 9-16.

Donovan Mitchell came out firing for Cleveland, pouring in 29 points and hitting some spectacular shots early. He knocked down a 25-foot three-pointer in the first quarter and found rhythm attacking downhill whenever he had space. Mitchell's aggressive approach forced the Knicks' defense to scramble and adjust constantly. However, because New York's perimeter defenders locked in during critical stretches, Cleveland couldn't maintain momentum. James Harden struggled offensively with just 15 points on poor shooting, failing to provide the secondary scoring punch the Cavs needed. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley grabbed 14 rebounds and contributed around the rim, but the Knicks' interior presence remained solid. Mikal Bridges stepped up defensively and offensively with 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns anchored things with 13 rebounds. The defensive battle essentially decided regulation, with neither team pulling away decisively until the fourth quarter collapse.

With the score tied 101-101 at the end of regulation, both teams battled fiercely in overtime. The Knicks absolutely dominated the extra period, outscoring Cleveland 14-3 to seal the 115-104 victory. OG Anunoby became virtually unstoppable in overtime, scoring several clutch free throws and making driving layups when Cleveland's defense was exhausted. Landry Shamet added a crucial three-pointer off Jalen Brunson's pass, extending New York's lead significantly. Although Max Strus answered with a three-pointer for Cleveland, it was too little too late. The Cavaliers' fatigue showed clearly as their defensive energy evaporated when regulation expired. Brunson's leadership and composure in those final five minutes made the difference between two evenly matched teams. This triumph positions the Knicks well within their playoff run, proving they possess the grit and determination to win tight contests. Sometimes championships are decided by who wants it more in the moments that matter most.