The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after securing a 121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, extending their 3-0 series lead. The team, led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points and a balanced offensive effort, now stands one win away from its first championship since 1973. The next game, Game 4, is set for Monday night in Cleveland.
The Knicks’ Historic Playoff Run
The Knicks’ 10-game playoff winning streak, the longest in franchise history, has put them on the cusp of a historic return to the NBA Finals. Since their last championship in 1973, New York has not reached the league’s ultimate stage, with their most recent Finals appearance coming in 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. “When we play our style of basketball, everyone participates,” said Josh Hart, who added 12 points and nine rebounds in Game 3. “I’m not surprised because we have great players. Today we won, but on Monday, everything starts again. We’re still far from our goal.”
Brunson, the league’s 2024-25 Finals MVP, has been the linchpin of the Knicks’ success, averaging 28.3 points per game in the playoffs. His 30-point performance in Game 3, combined with Karl-Anthony Towns’ 19 points and 10 rebounds, underscored the team’s depth. OG Anunoby contributed 21 points, while Mikal Bridges added 22, showcasing the Knicks’ ability to sustain dominance across multiple matchups.
CNN Brasil highlighted the Knicks’ record-tying 10th consecutive playoff win, a feat matched only by the 1974 Boston Celtics and 2019 Toronto Raptors. The team’s margin of victory has been consistent, with nine of those wins coming by at least 10 points, including three against Cleveland in this series.
Cavaliers’ Struggles and Key Performers
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have struggled to keep pace with New York’s intensity. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 23 points and Evan Mobley’s 24 points and six rebounds, Cleveland’s offense has failed to match the Knicks’ cohesion. The Cavaliers’ 108 points marked their lowest output of the playoffs, and their 10-point deficit in Game 3 mirrored previous losses. James Harden, who scored 19 points, admitted the team’s inability to adapt to New York’s defensive schemes. “We’re not executing the way we need to,” Harden said. “They’re playing with a purpose, and we’re not matching that.”
Cleveland’s early-game struggles were critical. The Knicks built a 10-point lead in the first quarter, a margin they maintained throughout the game. “We knew we had to come out strong,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “We didn’t let them get comfortable.”
GZH noted that the Cavaliers’ reliance on individual stars has left them vulnerable to the Knicks’ team-oriented approach. “They’re not just one or two players,” said analyst Chris Boucher. “They have five guys who can beat you.”
A Legacy on the Line
The Knicks’ potential return to the Finals has reignited discussions about their legacy. Since their last championship in 1973, New York has reached the Finals eight times, including a 1994 loss to the Houston Rockets. The 1999 series, however, remains a painful memory for fans, as the team collapsed in the final two games after leading 3-1. “We’ve been here before, but this group is different,” said Towns. “We’re not just looking to make a run—we’re looking to win.”
/https://i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2026/G/U/LhZoTgSuipXKBAcbHFXg/gettyimages-2278221307.jpg "cluster (priority): news.google.com")
Historically, teams with a 3-0 playoff series lead have advanced 92% of the time, according to NBA records. The Knicks’ current streak of 10 straight playoff wins is the longest in franchise history, surpassing the 2013 Miami Heat’s 11-game run. If they clinch the Eastern Conference, they will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals, a matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Metrópoles emphasized the cultural significance of the Knicks’ potential championship.
