Cavs score vs Knicks. New York leads wire to wire in Game 3 win

The Cleveland Cavaliers faced elimination in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals after losing 121-108 to the New York Knicks on May 23 at Rocket Arena. The defeat dropped the Cavs into a 3-0 series deficit, a historic disadvantage no NBA team has overcome in playoff history. The Knicks took control early and maintained a commanding lead throughout, outscoring Cleveland 27-20 in the fourth quarter alone. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby added 22 and 21 points, respectively. The Cavs’ top scorers, Evan Mobley (24) and Donovan Mitchell (23), could not prevent the loss. New York also dominated in fast-break points (17-4), rebounding (37-34), and turnovers (17-14), sealing their victory. The Knicks’ victory came after a series of strong performances, including Brunson’s clutch plays and Landry Shamet’s three three-pointers in the final quarter. Cleveland fans, already frustrated by back-to-back losses at Madison Square Garden, left early as the game became unstoppable. Game 4 is set for May 25 in Cleveland, where the Cavs must avoid a sweep to keep their playoff hopes alive. The series has been marked by dramatic swings, including Cleveland’s collapse in Game 1 after blowing a 22-point lead and losing in overtime. The Knicks, meanwhile, have shown resilience, particularly in their Game 1 comeback. With the Cavs now facing elimination, the focus shifts to whether they can pull off an improbable turnaround.