NBA/ Knicks crush Cavaliers to reach first NBA finals since 1999
The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years after dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 to complete a stunning four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference Final.
Karl-Anthony Towns powered the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while series MVP Jalen Brunson added 15 points. The victory extends New York’s franchise-record playoff winning streak to 11 games.
Brunson, whose father Rick was a guard on the 1999 Knicks team that lost to San Antonio, called the moment “special.” The younger Brunson was just two years old during that Finals run.
Landry Shamet, who hit all four of his three-point attempts for 16 points, said the team remains focused: “We’ve got four more wins to go get.”
The last championships of New York came in 1970 and 1973. The Knicks await the winner of the Western Conference Final, where Oklahoma City and San Antonio are tied 2-2. Game 5 is Tuesday night.
A sweep of the Finals would tie Golden State’s record 15-game playoff winning streak from 2017.
