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| Josh Hart / Photo: Getty Images |
[SportsToday reporter Kang Tae-gu] The New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 in Game 2 of the 2025-2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals (best-of-seven) at Madison Square Garden in New York on May 22 (Korean time), pushing their series lead to 2-0.
After rallying from a 22-point deficit to take Game 1, the Knicks built on that momentum and controlled much of Game 2 to close out a decisive victory.
Cleveland, reeling from the shock collapse in Game 1, failed to find an answer in Game 2 and will head home needing a win in Game 3 to stop New York’s surge.
Josh Hart paced the Knicks with 26 points. Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points and 14 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds to help seal the win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points and James Harden added 18, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome New York’s balanced attack and stifling defense.
The teams were even through halftime, but the Knicks seized control in the third quarter. Cleveland concentrated its defense on Brunson, yet Brunson’s passing freed up Mikal Bridges and Hart, both of whom buried timely 3-pointers that quickly widened the gap.
Mitchell and Harden struggled to find rhythm against New York’s defense and battled through poor shooting. Cleveland briefly trimmed the deficit to single digits late in the third, but the Knicks responded with consecutive successful possessions and carried a 15-point lead into the fourth.
There was no late-game drama. Cleveland pushed to speed up the tempo in an attempt to rally, but New York’s tight defense and disciplined offense kept the Cavaliers at bay. The Knicks protected the lead and closed the game out comfortably.
[SportsToday reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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