Knicks Crush Cavaliers 109-93: Hart’s 26 Leaves New York Two Wins From NBA Finals
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks erased a 22-point deficit with one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent playoff history, storming back from 109-93 to 115-104 in overtime against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Josh Hart’s 26-point explosion and a 44-11 run in the final 7:40 minutes of regulation gave the Knicks a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, leaving them just two victories away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2013.
The Turning Points
The Knicks entered Game 3 down 1-0 in the series after losing Game 2 by 12 points. But from the opening tip, New York’s offense was relentless. Julius Randle (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Jalen Brunson (18 points, 7 assists) led the charge, while Hart—who had struggled in the previous two games—found his stroke in the clutch.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when the Knicks went on a 12-0 run to take a 97-81 lead with 10:30 remaining. Cleveland cut the deficit to single digits, but New York’s defense stiffened, holding James Harden to just 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting. The final 7:40 minutes were pure chaos, with the Knicks scoring 44 unanswered points while the Cavaliers managed just 11.
Hart’s game-winning three-pointer with 1:20 remaining in regulation sent the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. When the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks had secured their largest victory of the series and put Cleveland on the brink of elimination.
Why This Matters
The Knicks now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead, with Game 4 at home in New York. If they win one more game, they’ll advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2013, where they would face either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors.
For the Cavaliers, the loss deepens the crisis. Cleveland now faces the extremely real possibility of being swept out of the playoffs, ending their season after a promising start. The team’s inability to contain New York’s offense—particularly Hart in the fourth quarter—has become a major concern for coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
The Knicks’ victory also has major implications for the NBA Finals picture. If they win Game 4, they’ll have home-court advantage in a potential Finals matchup, giving them a significant psychological edge.
Key Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hart (NYK) | 26 | 6 | 3 | 52.4% |
| Julius Randle (NYK) | 22 | 12 | 4 | 50.0% |
| Jalen Brunson (NYK) | 18 | 5 | 7 | 44.4% |
| James Harden (CLE) | 18 | 5 | 5 | 35.0% |
| Evan Mobley (CLE) | 16 | 10 | 2 | 45.5% |
Series Standings: Knicks lead 2-0
Next Game: Game 4 – Knicks vs. Cavaliers (May 27, 2026, 9:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden)
What This Means for the Series
The Knicks’ 2-0 lead is now a psychological advantage. Cleveland will need to find a way to slow down Hart and Randle in the paint, while the Knicks’ defense must remain locked in on Harden and Mobley.
Coaching will be critical in Game 4. The Knicks will likely emphasize their transition offense to exploit Cleveland’s defensive rotations, while the Cavaliers may need to go small to match up with New York’s size advantage.
For the Knicks, the challenge will be maintaining focus after such a dramatic victory. The team must stay disciplined on offense to avoid giving Cleveland any easy looks in the half-court.
What’s Next
The Knicks will look to close out the Cavaliers in Game 4, which tips off at 9:00 PM ET (01:00 UTC) on Monday, May 27, at Madison Square Garden. If New York wins, they’ll advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years.
For Cleveland, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss in Game 4 would end their season, while a victory would force a Game 5 at home—though the Knicks would still hold home-court advantage in a potential series.
Quick Answers
- Q: What’s the Knicks’ record now? A: The Knicks are 50-32 in the regular season and now hold a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Q: Who led the Knicks in scoring? A: Josh Hart led with 26 points, while Julius Randle added 22 and 12 rebounds.
- Q: What’s the Cavaliers’ biggest concern? A: Cleveland’s inability to contain New York’s offense, particularly in the fourth quarter, has become a major issue.
- Q: When is Game 4? A: Monday, May 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET (01:00 UTC) at Madison Square Garden.
- Q: What happens if the Knicks win Game 4? A: They’ll advance to the NBA Finals, where they’d face either the Lakers or Warriors.
What do you think? Will the Knicks close out the Cavaliers in Game 4, or can Cleveland pull off the upset? Share your predictions in the comments below.
