Knicks sweep Cavs with 130-93 Game 4 win, advance to NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 [VIDEO]
New York outscored Cleveland by 77 points across four games, powered by Jalen Brunson’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP performance
The New York Knicks completed a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 130-93 victory in Game 4 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals last night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The win advances the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
New York outscored Cleveland by a total of 77 points across the series. That is one of the most lopsided conference finals performances in recent NBA history. All four games were decided by double digits, and the victory extended the Knicks’ playoff winning streak to 11 games.
Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists on 48.7 percent shooting. In the series-clinching win, he delivered an efficient 15 points and 5 assists in 31 minutes with zero turnovers and zero fouls. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated in limited minutes, posting 19 points and 14 rebounds in just 25 minutes.
Knicks Seize Control Early and Pull Away Decisively
Cleveland opened Game 4 with a quick 5-0 lead, displaying early energy and fight in a must-win home environment at Rocket Arena. The Knicks, however, responded with immediate purpose and intensity. New York outscored Cleveland 38-26 in the first quarter, taking firm control of the game’s pace and rhythm while asserting their defensive superiority.
The decisive blow came in the second quarter, as the Knicks erupted with a commanding 20-0 run. The stretch forced Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson to call a timeout in an effort to regroup. By halftime, New York led comfortably at 68-49. The Knicks maintained their dominance through the third quarter, extending the margin to 98-71 heading into the final period.
With the game well in hand, Cleveland emptied its bench with more than eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Knicks’ reserves continued to play with focus and energy, outscoring the Cavaliers’ bench 39-7 for the entire game. The final margin of victory reached 37 points, underscoring New York’s complete control from the early stages through the final buzzer.
New York Dominated the Stat Sheet in Every Major Category
The Knicks delivered a clinic in efficiency and balance throughout Game 4. New York shot 48-of-98 from the field (49 percent) and went 19-of-43 from three-point range (44 percent). They controlled the glass with 60 total rebounds, including 20 offensive boards, and dished out 33 assists compared to Cleveland’s 21. The Cavaliers were limited to just 33 rebounds overall.
The disparity was evident across multiple advanced categories. New York held a commanding 32-5 advantage in second-chance points, outscored the Cavaliers 33-9 in fast-break points, and scored 28-14 more points off turnovers. The Knicks also posted a significantly higher effective field goal percentage. This was fueled by sharp ball movement, multiple scoring options, and strong spacing that stretched Cleveland’s defense.
On the Cavaliers’ side, Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 31 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, he received minimal support. Evan Mobley contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds, while James Harden struggled through an inefficient outing, finishing with 12 points on 2-of-8 shooting and missing all six of his three-point attempts. Jarrett Allen added 6 points and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes. The lack of balanced scoring and poor collective execution proved costly for Cleveland.
Brunson Honored as Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after delivering a masterful performance throughout the series. He served as the steady engine of the Knicks’ offense, consistently directing traffic, creating scoring opportunities, and maintaining exceptional ball security. In Game 4, Brunson posted 15 points and 5 assists in 31 minutes while committing zero turnovers and zero fouls, showcasing the poise and efficiency that defined his entire playoff run.
Karl-Anthony Towns continued his strong series with another dominant showing in limited minutes, recording 19 points on efficient shooting — including 3-of-3 from three-point range — and 14 rebounds in just 25 minutes. OG Anunoby contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Mikal Bridges added 15 points and 5 assists. Off the bench, Landry Shamet provided a spark with 16 points, particularly effective from beyond the arc.
Josh Hart anchored the effort with 11 rebounds and 6 assists, and Mitchell Robinson added 8 points and 10 rebounds. The collective performance highlighted the Knicks’ impressive depth, as their bench outscored Cleveland’s reserves 39-7 for the game. This versatility and balanced contribution from starters and reserves proved too much for the Cavaliers to handle.
Cavaliers’ Season Ends in Disappointment
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2026 playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference following a strong regular season. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought seven-game series. However, once they faced the Knicks, Cleveland had no answers for New York’s superior balance, defensive versatility, and overwhelming depth.
James Harden, acquired in a mid-season trade that sent Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers, struggled significantly throughout the series. His inefficient shooting and high turnover rate were persistent issues, culminating in another difficult outing in Game 4. While Donovan Mitchell fought valiantly, leading the team with 31 points in the finale, he could not compensate for the lack of consistent support from his teammates.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson is expected to remain in his position despite the sweep, according to multiple reports. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers now face a critical offseason filled with important questions. The front office must evaluate the current roster construction, determine whether the Harden acquisition delivered sufficient value, and decide how to better support Mitchell moving forward as they look to rebound from a disappointing end to what had been a promising campaign.
Knicks Set to Face Western Conference Champion in NBA Finals
The New York Knicks will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. At the time of the Knicks’ series-clinching victory, the Western Conference Finals were tied 2-2. Game 5 of that series will be played tonight in Oklahoma City.
The NBA Finals are set to begin on June 3. This extended rest period will be a significant advantage for the Knicks, who have not played a meaningful game since completing their Eastern Conference Finals sweep. It marks New York’s first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999. Back then, they fell to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
This year’s Knicks team possesses a different makeup than past iterations. They feature a reliable and elite point guard in Jalen Brunson, a versatile and athletic frontcourt, and one of the deepest benches in the league. Having won 11 consecutive playoff games and swept the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks enter the Finals as a confident and battle-tested group. They are now just four wins away from capturing their first NBA championship in over 50 years.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Knicks will now shift their focus to resting and preparing for the NBA Finals. Regardless of the outcome of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, New York will open the series on the road. Both the Thunder and Spurs have posted the NBA’s top two records. Regardless of the opponent, New York enters the Finals healthy, well-rested, and riding significant momentum.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, will officially begin their offseason following a disappointing end to what started as a promising campaign. Donovan Mitchell has one year remaining on his current contract. Meanwhile, James Harden enters free agency as an unrestricted free agent. Cleveland’s front office now faces difficult decisions about whether to run much of the roster back or pursue significant changes to better support Mitchell and improve their chances in future seasons.
For now, the Knicks stand as the champions of the Eastern Conference. With 11 straight playoff victories and a commanding sweep of the conference finals, they head to the NBA Finals full of confidence. After 27 long years, the city of New York has finally returned to the sport’s biggest stage. The wait is over — now the quest for a championship begins.