Knicks take 3-0 series lead over Cavs with 121-108 win, one victory from first Finals since 1999 [VIDEO]
New York Extends Playoff Winning Streak to 10 Games with 121-108 Victory
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The win gave New York a commanding 3-0 series lead and moved them one victory away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
The Knicks never trailed in the game. They jumped out to a 9-1 lead and closed the first quarter ahead 37-27. Although Cleveland tied the score at 50-50 late in the second quarter on a James Harden jumper, New York responded with a 10-1 run to take a 60-54 halftime lead. The Knicks continued to pull away in the third and fourth quarters.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 30 points (10-of-19 FG) and 6 assists. Mikal Bridges added 22 points on efficient 11-of-15 shooting, while OG Anunoby contributed 21 points. Karl-Anthony Towns posted a strong all-around line with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and zero turnovers.
Landry Shamet’s Three Straight Threes Sealed the Game in the Fourth Quarter
The Cavaliers entered the fourth quarter trailing 91-82 and still had a realistic chance to mount a comeback in front of their home crowd. However, Knicks reserve guard Landry Shamet quickly extinguished that hope. In a span of just 99 seconds, Shamet drilled three consecutive three-pointers, turning a nine-point deficit into a commanding 105-94 lead. The explosive stretch shifted the momentum decisively and effectively ended any realistic chance of a Cleveland comeback.
Shamet finished the game with 14 points off the bench, all coming from three-point range. His clutch shooting performance was a major spark for the Knicks, who outscored Cleveland’s bench 23-16 for the game. The outburst came at a critical moment when the Cavaliers were attempting to close the gap and force a more competitive contest.
Beyond Shamet’s heroics, the Knicks demonstrated superior efficiency throughout the game. New York shot 55.8 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range. In contrast, the Cavaliers shot 50 percent overall but struggled significantly from beyond the arc, going just 12-of-41 (29.3 percent). Cleveland’s 41 three-point attempts produced only 12 makes, and the team also committed 18 turnovers. This combination of poor shooting efficiency and mistakes proved costly against a well-rounded Knicks squad.
Brunson and Bridges Led a Balanced Knicks Attack
The Knicks’ victory was powered by a well-balanced offensive effort, with several players stepping up in key moments. Jalen Brunson once again led the way, delivering a steady 30-point performance on 10-of-19 shooting. Despite going 0-of-4 from three-point range, Brunson dominated inside the arc and at the free-throw line, converting 10-of-12 attempts. He played 41 minutes and orchestrated the offense with composure, especially in the second half as Cleveland attempted to mount a comeback.
Mikal Bridges provided an efficient and two-way contribution, finishing with 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting. He added 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, while his perimeter defense on Donovan Mitchell was particularly effective, helping limit the Cavaliers’ guard to just 4-of-14 shooting after halftime.
Supporting the attack, OG Anunoby chipped in with 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a strong 3-of-4 performance from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns nearly recorded a triple-double, posting 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. He played a clean game with zero turnovers in 36 minutes. Josh Hart rounded out the starters’ contributions with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals.
This collective effort resulted in six Knicks players reaching double figures, showcasing the depth and balance that has defined New York’s playoff run.
Cleveland’s Stars Struggled to Keep Pace
Despite strong individual efforts from their top players, the Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to match the Knicks’ balance and execution. Evan Mobley led the team with 24 points, providing consistent interior scoring. Donovan Mitchell contributed 23 points but struggled significantly in the second half, shooting just 4-of-14 after halftime as the Knicks’ defense tightened.
James Harden finished with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. However, he also committed 5 turnovers and became notably passive after halftime, attempting only 4 shots in the final two quarters. This lack of aggression from the Cavaliers’ veteran guard limited their offensive rhythm.
On a team level, Cleveland shot a respectable 50 percent from the field but faltered in several critical areas. The Cavaliers committed 18 turnovers compared to New York’s 14, and the Knicks capitalized with 11 steals that fueled effective transition scoring. Most damaging was Cleveland’s three-point shooting, as they went just 12-of-41 (29.3 percent) from beyond the arc.
The bench also struggled, with Max Strus and Sam Merrill combining for only 9 points. The Cavaliers’ reserves were outscored 23-16, highlighting a lack of depth that became evident in a game where six Knicks players reached double figures.
The Knicks Have Won 10 Straight Playoff Games
The New York Knicks’ victory in Game 3 extended their impressive playoff winning streak to 10 consecutive games — the longest active streak in the NBA. New York has not lost since April 23. The Knicks lost Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks and have not lost since. After that, they swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Now, they have won the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers.
Each game in this series has showcased the Knicks’ resilience. Game 1 featured a historic comeback. In the series opener, New York erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter before winning in overtime. Game 2 was a dominant wire-to-wire victory at Madison Square Garden. Game 3 marked a controlled road win in which the Knicks never trailed. The team has consistently answered every challenge presented so far in the postseason.
Historically, no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series. This puts the Cavaliers in a difficult position as they face long odds heading into Game 4 on Monday in Cleveland. For the Knicks, a victory in Game 4 would complete the sweep and send them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Knicks’ Dominance and 3-0 Lead Has Social Media Saying the Cavs Are Done
Social media platforms lit up following the Knicks’ 121-108 victory, with fans from both sides reacting strongly to New York’s commanding 3-0 series lead. Knicks supporters celebrated the team’s continued dominance, particularly their 10-game playoff winning streak. One user wrote, “10 straight playoff wins. This team is different.” Another posted, “Knicks in four is real. Cavs have no answers.”
Many reactions focused on standout individual performances. Several users highlighted Landry Shamet’s clutch shooting, with one noting, “Shamet hit three threes in 99 seconds. That’s the dagger.” Others praised the team’s balance, as one fan summarized: “Brunson 30. Bridges 22. Anunoby 21. KAT near triple-double. This team is balanced.”
On the other side, Cavaliers fans expressed clear frustration with their team’s execution. Comments focused heavily on Cleveland’s poor three-point shooting and turnovers. One user wrote, “12-of-41 from three. 18 turnovers. You’re not beating anyone like that.” Another added, “Harden had 5 turnovers and took 4 shots in the second half. That’s not winning basketball.”
As the series shifts to Game 4 on Monday in Cleveland, the Knicks stand one win away from advancing, while the Cavaliers face the difficult task of avoiding a sweep.
Game 4 Looms: Knicks One Win from NBA Finals
The Eastern Conference Finals reach a critical juncture on Monday, May 25, as the Knicks and Cavaliers face off once again at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. For the Knicks, a victory in Game 4 would complete a four-game sweep and send them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. With a 10-game playoff winning streak and momentum firmly on their side, New York is in prime position to close out the series on the road.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, face enormous pressure. They must find a way to win Game 4 to avoid elimination and become just the second team in this postseason to force a Game 5 after trailing 0-3. Cleveland has shown resilience earlier in the playoffs by overcoming a 0-2 deficit against the Pistons, but history is not on their side — no team has ever rallied from a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven series.
For Knicks fans, the possibility of ending a 27-year drought is now within reach. For Cleveland, Monday represents a must-win game to keep their season alive. One team will take a major step toward the championship, while the other will be left searching for answers.
The basketball world will be watching as the Knicks look to punch their ticket to the Finals.