Article by David Istrate – Published on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 10:32 / Updated on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 10:33
After 27 years, the New York Knicks returned to the NBA Finals, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson, the star of the New York team, was named the MVP of the series.
The New York Knicks dominated the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers and after 3 games the score was 3-0 for Mike Brown's team. On Monday night, in Cleveland, the last game took place, the one that ensured the group from New York qualified for the NBA finals.
New York Knicks, 4-0 in the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers! Next up is the final with the OKC Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs
The Knicks controlled the game from start to finish, took advantage of opponents' mistakes and rebounded very well offensively. Instead, the Cavaliers looked out of sorts, even though they were playing in front of their own fans.
In the end, the guests prevailed 130-93, closed the series (4-0) and qualified for the first final of the North American league since the one played in 1999.
Leading the way for the win were Karl-Anthony Towns (19 points, 14 rebounds), OG Anunoby (17 points, 7 rebounds), Landry Shamet (16 points), Mikal Bridges (15 points, 5 assists), Jalen Brunson (15 points, 5 assists) and Miles McBride (11 points).
Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson also had 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively. On the other side, the main scorer of the Cavs was Donovan Mitchell, who accounted for 31 points and 4 rebounds.
“Our guys played great. You are in the conference finals and score 65 points off offensive rebounds and counterattacks. I don't know if I've seen anything like it at this point in the season. We wanted to pick up the pace,” said Mike Brown, quoted by ESPN.
“I feel like the idea of hope has been gone for a long time from the New York Knicks, and for me it's very special to be a part of the team that brings hope back,” Karl-Anthony Towns said.
Jalen Brunson, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists, was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. In the NBA Finals, the Knicks will play either the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs. The score is 2-2.
The Knicks have not reached the last act of the North American basketball league since 1999. Then, the opponent was the Spurs themselves, who prevailed 4-1, having some superstars in Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
2titles won by the New York Knicks throughout history, in 1970 and 1973
