Knicks reach NBA Finals after defeating Cavaliers in Game 4 | Basketball News
Knicks Advance to NBA Finals After Sweeping Cavaliers
Published May 26, 2026
Cleveland, OH — The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night. The victory completed a four-game sweep of the Cavaliers.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds, helping to solidify a commanding performance that left many Cavaliers fans departing early. The Knicks extended their franchise playoff-record winning streak to 11 games, matching the third-longest winning run in a single postseason in league history.
“Growing up in the New York area, I feel like the word ‘hope’ has been gone for a long while, so to restore that is special,” Towns said. “There is nowhere better in the world than when Madison Square Garden has hope.”
In addition to Towns, OG Anunoby contributed 17 points, while Landry Shamet added 16 off the bench, shooting 100% from beyond the arc. The Knicks built a 29-point lead in the second quarter and maintained a significant advantage, leading by as much as 45 points in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 15 points, and Josh Hart contributed six points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Brunson was named the series Most Valuable Player, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists during the Eastern Conference finals.
“This is something that is surreal,” Hart said. “We already share a bond and a brotherhood for life, and we’re going to keep adding memories for that.”
The Knicks dominated the rebounding battle, securing 60 boards compared to Cleveland’s 33. Backup center Mitchell Robinson made a notable impact with ten rebounds in just 18 minutes of play.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 31 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. James Harden struggled, finishing with 12 points while committing five turnovers and missing all six of his 3-point attempts.
“Sometimes, you’ve got to ultimately give the other team credit,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “They played great basketball and they’re on a heater.”
This defeat marks the Cavaliers’ largest home loss in playoff history. Despite the setback, Mitchell remains optimistic about the team’s future. “We have unfinished business,” he stated. “I have no doubt this group can get there.”
New York’s next challenge will be against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, with that series currently tied at 2-2.
