Jalen Brunson leads Knicks previous Cavaliers to take sequence lead at MSG

The New York Knicks (5) crushed the Cleveland Cavaliers (4) Friday at Madison Sq. Backyard to regain the first-round sequence and transfer nearer to the subsequent stage of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 21 factors in a defensive showdown that noticed New York rating almost twice as many factors as Cleveland within the second quarter and led by as many as 30 factors.

Brunson, 26, added six assists, 4 rebounds and two steals. He shot 10-for-18 from the sphere, however missed all 4 makes an attempt from past the arc.

RJ Barrett, in the meantime, broke out of his capturing droop hitting three of six pictures from deep to complete the evening with 19 factors. The Knicks ahead had solely scored two of his final 20 makes an attempt from exterior.

Barrett, 22, additionally helped maintain Donovan Mitchell to 22 factors. His perimeter protection will probably be key transferring ahead if New York desires to maneuver previous Cleveland.

Darius Garland struggles for Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Darius Garland as soon as once more struggled capturing, going 4-for-21 from the ground en route to only 10 factors.

Garland, 23, led Cleveland in scoring with 32 factors on Wednesday. The Japanese Convention duel continues to lean in favor of the Knicks, with 4 wins within the final 5 video games in opposition to the Cavs, together with common season.

Josh Hart added 13 factors for the Knicks, who grew to become the primary workforce to permit lower than 80 factors, through the common season or playoffs, this yr.

Julius Randle will look to bounce again from his 11-point evening, going 3-for-15 from the ground and 2-for-10 from the three. Recreation 4 tipoff is scheduled for Sunday at 10:00 PT from MSG.