25-26 Knicks Look to Continue Eastern Conference Finals Dominance Against Struggling Cavaliers in Game Three
The New York Knicks put the pedal to the metal in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals, erupting for a 32-point third quarter on their way to a commanding victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and a 2-0 series lead. After questions surrounded the late-game benching of Josh Hart for Landry Shamet in Game One, Hart responded with one of the best performances of his postseason career, finishing with a playoff career-high 26 points. The Knicks’ starting lineup overwhelmed Cleveland from start to finish, continuing a stretch of dominance that has now resulted in nine consecutive postseason victories. With the Cavaliers struggling to find consistency in both the frontcourt and backcourt, the pressure now shifts heavily onto Cleveland heading into Game Three.
Hart’s bounce-back performance highlighted just how dangerous the Knicks can be when every member of the starting lineup contributes offensively. Jalen Brunson recorded a playoff career-high 14 assists, showing his ability to control the pace and impact the game even when not leading the team in scoring. Mikal Bridges continued his impressive turnaround after early postseason criticism, scoring 19 points while missing only three shots across 40 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 14 points and three blocks, once again proving why he is expected to earn All-Defensive Team recognition. While the Knicks’ first unit dominated, concerns remain regarding bench production. New York received only 13 total points from its reserves, and several key contributors are still trying to regain rhythm. Miles McBride has not looked fully comfortable since returning from core muscle surgery, Jordan Clarkson played limited minutes, and Mitchell Robinson continues to operate in a controlled role of fewer than 20 minutes per game. If the Knicks can stabilize their second unit, the possibility of a series sweep becomes increasingly realistic.
For Cleveland, the Eastern Conference Finals have exposed several issues that were less visible earlier in the NBA Playoffs. The Cavaliers entered the series after surviving back-to-back seven-game battles against the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons, and fatigue has begun to show. Donovan Mitchell eventually found his rhythm in the second half of Game Two, but outside of Mitchell, Cleveland struggled to match New York’s energy and execution. James Harden has become a major concern defensively, posting a negative-22 plus-minus while frequently being targeted by the Knicks’ offense. Head coach Mike Brown openly acknowledged after Game One that New York’s strategy centered around attacking Harden in isolation situations. Cleveland’s frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen remains one of the strongest in the NBA, but New York’s emphasis on perimeter shooting and ball movement has limited their effectiveness near the basket. Beyond the starting lineup, the Cavaliers have failed to receive a significant spark from their bench, leaving the roster heavily dependent on Mitchell.
In Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks once again started slowly, continuing a trend that has followed them throughout the opening games of the series. However, just like in Game One, the Knicks quickly adjusted and completely took control after halftime. New York outshot the Cleveland Cavaliers from the field, dominated points in the paint, and nearly doubled Cleveland’s assist total, showcasing the elite ball movement that has fueled this postseason run. While the Cavaliers did find success on the glass and held the advantage at the free-throw line, missed opportunities still hurt both teams throughout the night. For New York, Robinson missed four free throws on his own, while Cleveland struggled from the stripe as well, with misses from Allen, Mobley, and Sam Merrill. Outside of rebounding and free-throw percentage, New York controlled nearly every major statistical category and overwhelmed Cleveland with offensive pace and defensive pressure.
This series represents a massive opportunity for both franchises. The Knicks are now competing in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, while the Cavaliers are searching for their first NBA Finals trip since 2018, when LeBron James carried the franchise through the Eastern Conference. After suffering two straight losses, including the historic collapse in Game One, Cleveland desperately needs answers entering Game Three. Questions continue to surround head coach Kenny Atkinson and what adjustments can realistically slow down New York’s momentum. Could Dean Wade be removed from the starting lineup for additional scoring or perimeter shooting? Should Harden see a reduced offensive role after struggling defensively throughout the series? Cleveland may need players such as Max Strus or Dennis Schröder to provide a major spark if the Cavaliers hope to shift momentum. Meanwhile, the Knicks continue to look unstoppable, carrying a nine-game winning streak into Game Three with a chance to move within one victory of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. With much of the national media focused on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, New York is proving it belongs in that same championship conversation.
