Cavs blow 22-point lead in disasterous Game 1 loss to Knicks
Fear The Sword • • general
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Cavaliers squandered a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the New York Knicks to rally with a 30-8 run and force overtime, eventually losing 115-104 in Game 1.
- The Knicks dominated the overtime period 14-3, with Jalen Brunson scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter and finishing with a game-high 38 points, while Mikal Bridges added 18 points.
- Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 29 points and six steals, supported by Evan Mobley and James Harden, who each scored 15 points, but the team struggled with offensive rhythm and late-game defensive lapses.
- Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson faced criticism for his late-game decisions, including delayed timeout usage and defensive strategies that allowed the Knicks’ shooters to capitalize during their comeback.
- Despite the loss, the Cavaliers have shown resilience in previous playoff series and will look to bounce back in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday at 8 PM.