Knicks Stage Historic Comeback to Overpower Cavaliers in Game 1

The New York Knicks secured a dramatic 115-104 overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night, overcoming a daunting 22-point fourth-quarter deficit at Madison Square Garden.

The win, which moved the Knicks within three victories of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, was highlighted by a relentless offensive surge led by Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who finished the night with 38 points, sparked an 18-1 rally that brought New York back into contention after trailing 93-71 with 7:52 remaining in regulation.

A Turning Point in the Fourth Quarter

For the first 40 minutes of the contest, the Cavaliers appeared to be in total control, benefiting from a strong performance by Donovan Mitchell, who recorded 29 points. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the final frame. The Knicks outscored Cleveland 44-11 following the Cavaliers’ 93-71 lead, stifling the visitors and forcing the game into overtime.

Brunson’s ability to attack the defense, specifically targeting veteran James Harden, proved to be the catalyst for the comeback. “Just keep fighting,” Brunson said following the game. “Keep chipping away. We’re not going to get it back in one possession.”

Once in overtime, the Knicks maintained their intensity, opening the extra period with a 9-0 run to pull away from the Cavaliers. Contributions were widespread across the roster, with Mikal Bridges adding 18 points, while OG Anunoby scored 13 points in his return to the lineup after missing two games with a strained right hamstring.

Betting Market Impact

The volatility of the game was reflected in the sports betting markets. During the fourth quarter, the Knicks’ moneyline odds reached as high as 80-1 at DraftKings. One notable bettor at BetMGM successfully capitalized on the comeback, winning a series of five ladder bets totaling $775,000. These wagers, placed before the game, required the Knicks to cover various spreads ranging from -2.5 to -6.5, all of which were fulfilled following the overtime result.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience Under Pressure: The Knicks successfully erased a 22-point deficit in the final quarter, a performance that Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson described as a period where New York “dominated.”
• Brunson’s Leadership: Jalen Brunson’s 38-point performance was the driving force behind the comeback, demonstrating his ability to dictate the pace of play during high-stakes postseason moments.
• Postseason Positioning: With this victory, the Knicks have taken a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, maintaining the momentum of their postseason run.

Looking Ahead

As the series continues, the Cavaliers will look to recover from what coach Atkinson identified as a collapse in the final quarter. For the Knicks, the focus shifts to maintaining the intensity that defined their Game 1 rally. With the home crowd providing significant energy, New York aims to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of an NBA Finals berth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large was the Knicks’ comeback?
The Knicks overcame a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, trailing 93-71 with 7:52 remaining in regulation before rallying to win 115-104 in overtime.

Who led the scoring for the Knicks?
Jalen Brunson led the team with 38 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points.

What is the current status of the Eastern Conference Finals?
The Knicks lead the series 1-0 following their overtime win at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, May 20, 2026.