Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after crushing the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night. The victory completed a dominant 4-0 series sweep and extended New York’s postseason winning streak to 11 games. Inside a stunned Cleveland arena, the Knicks controlled the game from the opening quarter and showed why many now see them as serious championship contenders.
Knicks dominate again to finish the sweep
New York entered the series with confidence after strong playoff wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks, but few expected such a one-sided Eastern Conference finals. Cleveland had moments early in the series, especially in Game 1 when they blew a 22-point lead, but after that collapse the momentum completely shifted.
The atmosphere in Cleveland quickly changed during Game 4. Knicks fans could be heard throughout the arena as New York went on a massive 20-0 run stretching from the first quarter into the second. That burst effectively ended the contest before halftime.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds while Jalen Brunson once again controlled the pace of the game. Brunson averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists across the series and received the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP.
“It means a lot [to get to the finals], but I wouldn’t be here without my teammates,” Brunson said on the ESPN broadcast. “My coach, this staff, the fanbase, without them none of this is possible.”
Brunson’s leadership continues to stand out
Brunson has become the face of this Knicks playoff run. His calm approach has helped New York stay composed even during difficult moments. The crowd energy, especially during comeback situations, has fed directly into the team’s confidence.
“[Brunson’s leadership] is vital for us,” said Josh Hart of his teammate. “He’s an even keel, he doesn’t let us get too high or too low. Even games like this when we’re up 15 or 20, he wants to make sure we’re doubling down on our habits.”
Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points in Game 4 but struggled to get enough support around him. The Cavaliers looked frustrated as the game slipped away, while New York continued moving the ball sharply and defending with energy.
“They’re playing better basketball. You got to give them credit. They’re on a heater. I don’t want to detract from what we’ve done, but sometimes you’ve got to give the other team credit,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said.
Celebrity fans and huge Finals excitement
The Knicks’ return to the Finals has already created massive excitement around New York City. Celebrities including Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet traveled to Cleveland to watch the historic sweep.
“Knicks fans are a specific species of human that should be studied, they’re crazy,” said Knicks guard Landry Shamet. “They fly out to Cleveland on a Monday, they’re everywhere. Everywhere you walk in [New York City] that’s what you hear, the buzz is unbelievable. You could try to explain what’s going on for Knicks fans in New York right now, but good luck.”
New York will now face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Courtside ticket prices for the Knicks’ first home Finals game on June 8 have already climbed above $105,000 on resale sites.