2026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 20 May 2026
Tagbilaran City, Bohol – The New York Knicks rallied from a 22-point 4th quarter deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime 115-104 on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning, Philippine time) at the Madison Square Garden Arena in New York City, New York. All Star guard Jalen Brunson ignited one of the greatest NBA Postseason comebacks, as he exploded for 38 points on 15-for-29 field goal shooting, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals for New York.
Mikal Bridges added 18, while the starter trio of OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart each had 13 markers for the Knicks, who protected their home court advantage for the series.
With the Knicks trailing 71-93 with 7:52 remaining in the fourth, Brunson took matters into his own hands. He relentlessly attacked former league MVP James Harden’s poor defense to spark an 18-1 run that culminated with a 2-foot two-point shot that tied the ballgame at 101-101 with 19.3 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Cavalier’s meltdown spilled into overtime, where the Knicks stormed out with a 9-0 blitz to open the extra period. Overall, the Knicks outscored the Cavaliers 44-11 after the latter enjoyed its largest lead at 93-71.
Donovan Mitchell top-scored for Cleveland with 29 points, to go along with 5 boards, 3 dimes, 6 steals, and 1 block. James Harden and Evan Mobley each had 15 markers, but shot an atrocious 5-for-16 and 6-for-16 from the field, respectively. The trio of Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley also accounted for combined 13 turnovers.
Game 2 is scheduled on Thursday night (Friday morning, Philippine time) still at the Madison Square Garden Arena in New York City, home of the Knicks.
How They Scored: 23-16; 46-48; 69-83; 101-101; (OT) 115-104
Knicks 115 – Brunson 38, Bridges 18, Towns 13, Anunoby 13, Hart 13, Shamet 9, Robinson 4, Alvarado 4, Clarkson 3
Cavaliers 104 – Mitchell 29, Harden 15, Mobley 15, Merill 12, Wade 10, Allen 10, Strus 8, Schroder 3, Ellis 2
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