The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 on Monday night, completing a four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while OG Anunoby scored 17 points. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each contributed 15 points, and Landry Shamet added 16 off the bench. The Knicks' victory marked their 11th consecutive postseason win, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history.
The Knicks' dominance was evident from the start, as they built a double-digit lead early and never relinquished control. New York shot 19 of 43 from three-point range and outrebounded Cleveland. The Cavaliers, who entered the series as favorites, struggled defensively and offensively, leading to their first-round exit.
Knicks coach Mike Brown, in his first season with the team, guided New York to the Finals after replacing Tom Thibodeau last year. This is the Knicks' third Finals appearance since their last championship in 1973. They lost in the Finals in 1994 and 1999.
The Knicks will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, with the Western Conference Finals tied at two games apiece. The Thunder or Spurs will have home-court advantage due to a better regular-season record. Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
The Knicks' victory was celebrated by a large contingent of New York fans, including celebrities such as Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner. The Cavaliers' coach, Kenny Atkinson, pulled his starters with 7:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, effectively conceding the series.
The Knicks' 11-game winning streak is the longest active postseason run in the NBA. The last team to achieve a longer streak was the Golden State Warriors, who won 15 straight games en route to the 2017 championship.