Karl-Anthony Towns led all scorers, but Cleveland took a 27-26 edge through the first quarter.
Cleveland carries a 27-26 edge over New York after Saturday’s first quarter, a one-point margin in a tightly paced start. Karl-Anthony Towns supplied the scoring punch with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting and a perfect 5-of-5 at the line, while OG Anunoby added five. Donovan Mitchell and Peyton Watson each have seven for Cleveland, with Meleek Thomas contributing six. The Cavaliers entered 5-4 and 15th in the power index, while the 4-4 Knicks ranked 13th, leaving the momentum barely tilted toward Cleveland.
Key Performers
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York: 14 points, 4-of-6 FG, 5-of-5 FT Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland: 7 points, 2 steals Peyton Watson, Cleveland: 7 points, 2 rebounds