Hart's 26 points power Knicks to 2-0 series lead
Josh Hart spearheaded a balanced Knicks attack as they defeated the Cavaliers 109-93 at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their playoff series. Hart was electric with 26 points and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns hauled in 13 rebounds for a double-double, and Jalen Brunson orchestrated the offense with 14 assists, also recording a double-double. The Knicks built upon a slim 4-point halftime lead (53-49), then blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 32-21. This surge propelled them to a 15-point advantage entering the final frame (85-70), a deficit the Cavaliers could not overcome. New York shot an efficient 52% from the field (44/85), whereas Cleveland struggled at 39% (31/80). Despite the Cavaliers getting 19 points from their bench, it wasn't enough to counter Donovan Mitchell's game-high 26 points. The Knicks now hold a 2-0 series advantage, putting them in a strong position to advance.