By Rafael Bandayrel
The New York Knicks completed a stunning comeback to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-104, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday (PH time) at Madison Square Garden.
Cleveland appeared to be in full control after exploding in the third quarter and stretching the lead to as many as 22 points behind a huge effort from Donovan Mitchell.
However, the Knicks came roaring back in the fourth. New York erased the massive deficit and tied the game at 99 after a clutch triple from Landry Shamet.
James Harden briefly put Cleveland back ahead with a tough turnaround jumper, but Jalen Brunson answered with a clutch layup to tie the game at 101 and force overtime.
The extra period belonged entirely to New York as the Knicks opened with nine unanswered points while the Cavaliers ran out of steam.
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Brunson led the charge with 38 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The Knicks now hold a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 on Friday in New York.