GREENBURGH, N.Y. – The much-anticipated matchup between Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell was the focal point leading into the Eastern Conference finals, promising an exciting clash of talents. However, as the game unfolded, it became clear that the real showdown was Brunson against James Harden in the crucial moments of Game 1.
Brunson’s relentless drive towards the basket catalyzed one of the largest postseason comebacks ever recorded, as the New York Knicks mounted an impressive rally from a staggering 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 115-104 victory. The aftermath saw the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their disappointing loss, trying to refocus, addressing concerns about Harden’s defensive capabilities as they attempt to keep their NBA Finals aspirations alive.
“I know everybody’s putting it on James, but I’d say a lot of it’s on the team, our team defense,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson stated after practice at Madison Square Garden. “We were great for three quarters. Like, really, really great. So we can do it.”
As the Cavaliers gear up for Game 2, they aim to even the series before returning to their home court over the Memorial Day weekend. Atkinson faced criticism for delaying a timeout that could have interrupted New York’s momentum during an 18-1 run spurred by Brunson’s aggressive plays against Harden.
“Kenny’s a great coach, and we know they’re going to come out ready to play,” Knicks’ Mike Brown remarked, a former assistant coach under Steve Kerr in Golden State. “They came to New York to get one game, and it’s still within reach.”
Cleveland controlled the middle quarters of Game 1, showcasing their potential against a Knicks team that appeared to struggle with rust after a lengthy break. The Knicks finally adjusted their offensive strategy, forcing Harden to switch onto Brunson, which proved devastating as Brunson scored four consecutive baskets during the decisive run.
Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder praised Brunson’s clutch performance while emphasizing the team aspect of their loss. “Jalen Brunson is one of the most clutch players in the NBA. Social media for that is just in a bad place,” he stated. “At the end of the day, he made some tough shots. Good credit to him.”
Acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden’s experience and scoring prowess are vital for the Cavaliers. As one of the all-time greats, sitting ninth in NBA history with nearly 30,000 points, he faced challenges in Game 1, shooting 5 for 16 overall and 1 for 8 from three-point range, while accumulating six turnovers against three assists. Despite these struggles, Atkinson remains optimistic about Harden’s ability to bounce back.
“I said, ‘Without you, we’re knocked out in the first round,’” Atkinson remarked, reinforcing Harden’s importance to the team. “Sometimes micro experiences get exaggerated. So, you know, keep being yourself.”
The Knicks, riding an eight-game winning streak, can empathize with the Cavaliers’ frustrations. They too experienced a gut-wrenching loss in Game 1 of the 2025 East finals, having squandered a 14-point lead against Indiana, which ended in an overtime defeat.
“Obviously they’re looking at it like that was our game that we gave away,” Knicks forward Josh Hart noted. “And they’re looking at film of, ‘If we fix this here or fix this here, we would have won the game.’ That’s what they’re going to try to do tomorrow.”
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AP freelance writer Adry Torres in New York contributed to this report.
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