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The New York Knicks dismantled the Cleveland Cavaliers and returned to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.
On May 26, at Rocket Arena in Ohio, New York routed Cleveland 130-93 in Game 4 of the 2025-2026 Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks completed a 4-0 sweep to clinch a trip to the Finals without dropping a game.
It’s New York’s first Finals appearance since 1999. After falling to the San Antonio Spurs that year, the Knicks will now chase their first championship since 1973 — a drought of 53 years.
Rather than leaning on a single superstar, New York’s cohesion carried the team. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points, OG Anunoby added 17, and Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each finished with 15, giving the Knicks a balanced scoring attack.
Above all, Jalen Brunson was the catalyst. He averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists across the four games of the Eastern Conference Finals and was named the series MVP.
The moment was especially meaningful for Brunson. His father, Rich Brunson, played for New York during the team’s last Finals run in 1999. After the game, a visibly emotional Brunson said, “I grew up hearing stories about my dad playing in a New York uniform.”
The Knicks have dominated throughout the playoffs. After sweeping Philadelphia in the Eastern semifinals, they swept Cleveland as well, firmly establishing themselves as title contenders.
Most of their wins came by double digits; their average margin of victory in the playoffs is over 23 points.
In Game 4, Cleveland looked like it might seize the early momentum, opening on a 5-0 run. New York, however, quickly shifted the tide behind Brunson.
The Knicks poured in 68 first-half points and used offensive rebounds to fuel fast breaks that dismantled Cleveland’s defense. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, repeatedly hurt themselves with turnovers.
When the lead ballooned past 30 points midway through the fourth quarter, New York emptied its bench and closed the game comfortably.
The Knicks will now await the winner of the Western Conference Finals — Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs — for a shot at the championship trophy.
Photos: Reuters, Getty Images / Yonhap News
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