The New York Knicks survived to knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers, 101-97, to open the postseason on Saturday while snapping a long playoff drought away from Madison Square Garden.
New York’s victory over Cleveland marks its first road win in Game 1 of a playoff series since 1999, when the Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers to open the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks led throughout most of Saturday’s contest, but a late rally by the Cavaliers put the result in doubt. Cleveland overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, storming back to take a one-point lead, 93-92, with 2:12 left in the final stanza.
The Knicks would respond to regain the lead seconds later thanks to a massive three-pointer from Josh Hart. With New York holding a two-point advantage down the stretch, Jalen Brunson essentially sealed the victory, scoring with 35.4 seconds remaining to put New York ahead by four.
Brunson led the way for the Knicks, taking over the game in the second half. The 26-year-old was unconscious in the third and fourth quarters, scoring 20 of his team-high 27 points after halftime.
Along with Brunson, Julius Randle was the only New York starter to finish in double-figures, logging 19 points in the win. The Knicks’ reserves did well to pick up some of the slack behind the team’s stars. Hart (17), Obi Toppin (9), Isaiah Hartenstein (8) and Immanuel Quickley (3) combined for 37 points off the bench.
On the Cavaliers’ side, star Donovan Mitchell stood out in a losing effort. Mitchell scored a game-high 38 points while shooting 14-of-30 from the field and 6-of-16 from beyond the arc. He added eight assists, five rebounds and three steals.
The Knicks will look to jump ahead 2-0 in the best-of-seven series when they take on the host Cavaliers in Game 2 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
