The New York Knicks cruised to a 99-79 blowout win against the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night, and now hold a 2-1 series lead. It was a clunky first half from both teams, but the Knicks managed to find their footing on offense and applied pressure to the Cavaliers on defense which forced them to commit turnovers.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. RJ Barrett also broke out of a 3-point shooting slump, going 3 of 6 from deep and finishing the night with 19 points. Barrett’s perimeter defense on the other end also helped contain Cleveland’s backcourt, limiting Donovan Mitchell to 22 points, while Darius Garland struggled again with a 4-for-21 night on 10 points.
The Cavaliers were the only team this season that didn’t have a single 20-point loss.
No team had been held under 80 points this entire NBA campaign.
Until tonight, when the Knicks defeated the Cavs 99-79 at the Garden. pic.twitter.com/nd2wgDb6Q9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2023
“KNICKS IN FIVE!” 🗣
Knicks fans after Game 3 vs. the Cavs 😳
(via @KnicksMSGN)pic.twitter.com/GYMdx6as65
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 22, 2023