New York Knicks Shock Cavs In Historic Comeback: Did Cleveland Choke Or Did Brunson Take Over?

The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime in Game 1 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals last night after staging a dramatic comeback from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit. Cleveland led 93-71 with less than eight minutes remaining, but the Knicks exploded on a 44-11 run to close regulation and overtime. Jalen Brunson led the rally with 38 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter and overtime, while key shots from Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Landry Shamet helped force overtime and secure the victory. Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points for Cleveland, but the Cavaliers struggled badly late in the game with turnovers, missed shots and questionable execution. The comeback immediately drew national attention and strong reactions from fans, many of whom described it as one of the worst playoff collapses in recent memory. The win gives New York a 1-0 lead in the series heading into Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. Did the Cavs choke or did the Knicks just take care of business? Did the Cavs lose because of James Harden, Kenny Atkinson, both?