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The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Josh Hart led the Knicks with a playoff career-high 26 points, including five three-pointers. He also recorded seven assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 19 points and a playoff career-high 14 assists after scoring two points in the first half. Mikal Bridges added 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Cavaliers led 27-24 after the first quarter, but the Knicks held a 53-49 advantage at halftime. New York took control in the third quarter with an 18-0 scoring run after the game had been tied at 53-53.
Cleveland went more than five minutes without scoring during the third quarter and trailed 85-70 entering the fourth. The Cavaliers reduced the deficit to seven points early in the final period, but the Knicks responded to secure the victory.
Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points for Cleveland, while James Harden added 18 points. The Cavaliers struggled with shooting despite creating several open opportunities.
The series will continue in Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. The Knicks seeks its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 and its first championship since 1973.
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