New York’s 37-point second quarter flipped a one-point deficit into control of a 109-97 win in Cleveland.
The Knicks beat the Cavaliers 109-97 on Saturday, today, turning a one-point first-quarter deficit into a commanding lead. New York outscored Cleveland 37-26 in the second quarter and 25-17 in the third, taking an 88-70 advantage into the fourth. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points on 12-of-25 shooting, six rebounds and nine assists, with no steals, no blocks and one turnover. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, 13 rebounds and three assists; he had two steals, no blocks and no turnovers. Donovan Mitchell kept Cleveland close with 37 points on 13-of-22 shooting, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block, but had five turnovers. Evan Mobley contributed 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds and five assists, with no steals, no blocks and three turnovers. Cleveland won the fourth quarter 27-21, but New York’s 18-point cushion after three quarters held up for the 12-point victory.
Key Performers
Jalen Brunson, Knicks: 31 PTS, 6 REB, 9 AST; 12/25 FG, 1 TO Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: 29 PTS, 13 REB, 3 AST; 11/21 FG, 2 STL, 0 TO Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers: 37 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST; 13/22 FG, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 5 TO
Standings Impact
New York improved to 6-4, while Cleveland fell to 5-6.
DYMA Insight
The Knicks’ 62-43 edge across the second and third quarters created the decisive gap. Cleveland’s 27-21 fourth-quarter response narrowed it, but could not erase the 18-point deficit.