By Blessing Nweke
Jalen Brunson delivered one of the most memorable playoff performances in recent NBA history Tuesday night, scoring 38 points to lead the New York Knicks to a dramatic 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The Knicks appeared headed for defeat after falling behind 93-71 with 7:52 remaining in regulation at Madison Square Garden. But Brunson sparked a furious comeback, relentlessly attacking Cleveland’s defense and fueling an 18-1 run that transformed the game. He tied the score at 101 with 19 seconds left, sending the packed arena into a frenzy.
New York carried the momentum into overtime, opening the extra period with a decisive 9-0 burst as fans celebrated wildly. The Knicks are now three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Mikal Bridges added 18 points for New York, while OG Anunoby contributed 13 points in his return after missing two games with a strained right hamstring.
For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, but the Cavaliers collapsed late after controlling most of the contest. New York outscored Cleveland 44-11 from the point the Cavs led by 22 points in the fourth quarter.
“We played great basketball tonight for three quarters. Unfortunately, the fourth quarter — they dominated us in the fourth quarter,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said afterward.
Evan Mobley finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland, while James Harden struggled from long range, shooting 1-for- 8 from three-point range and committing six turnovers.
The Knicks have now won eight consecutive playoff games heading into Game 2 on Thursday.
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