Knicks Sweep Cavaliers, Reach NBA Finals for First Time in 27 Years

CNA (Cleveland, May 25) The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 today, sweeping the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals 4-0 to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. According to Reuters and AFP, the Knicks took a 29-point lead in the second quarter, utilizing fast breaks and solid defense to suppress their opponents, securing the win by extending the gap in the third quarter. The Knicks extended their playoff winning streak to 11 games, tying the third-longest streak in league history. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds; OG Anunoby added 17 points; Landry Shamet, coming off the bench, hit all four of his three-point attempts for 16 points; Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 15 points. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 31 points; Evan Mobley had 15 points and 7 rebounds; James Harden scored 12 points, missing all six of his three-point attempts and committing 5 turnovers. The 37-point loss was the largest home playoff defeat in Cavaliers history. The Knicks, who won titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs on the evening of June 3 (morning of June 4, Taiwan time). The Thunder and Spurs are currently tied 2-2 in the Western Conference Finals.