The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 109-93. 

The game was tightly contested in the first half, as New York only led by 4 going into halftime. It wasn't until the third quarter that the Knicks settled into the game, going on an 18-0 scoring run. 

Josh Hart was a key contributor to that run. He scored a playoff career-high 26 points and was crucial in the third quarter. Aside from scoring, he made many plays on defense and made his presence felt on both sides of the court. 

Jalen Brunson finished the game with 14 assists, and after the game, he spoke to the media and credited Hart for finding open spaces on offense to set up open shots for him. 

"I'm really not trying to look for him; he just happens to be open," Brunson said. "I got the utmost confidence in him, watching the things he does with his routine and everything, he works hard."

The Knicks have been known to go on big runs throughout the postseason, and Game 2 showed that again as New York poured it on in the third quarter and held on to a comfortable lead for the rest of the second half. 

Jalen Brunson credited the team's defense for allowing them to pull away once again this series. 

"I think we were able to get stops, run, and get easy baskets," Brunson said. "The way we were able to play in transition was a credit to our defense."

The Knicks and Cavaliers each had 8 turnovers in Game 2, but the difference was New York's 13 points off their mistakes. All 13 points came in transition for the Knicks as well. 

The Knicks now have to go back to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. While the Knicks have a chokehold lead in this series, they have to stay even-keeled. Cleveland will be desperate to get a win in this series, especially at home. 

Cleveland has been at their best at home throughout the 2026 playoffs, as they are a perfect 6-0. The Knicks have been a quality team on the road throughout the postseason. They have a 4-1 record and closed out the Hawks and 76ers in opposing arenas as well. 

Jalen Brunson has confidence that the amount of experience this team has will allow them to close out the series. 

"I think the most important thing is that we're learning and growing together, Brunson said. "No matter what the situation is, whatever the series is, we're open to learning, we're open to getting better."

The Knicks face the Cavaliers in Cleveland on May 23rd at 8 p.m. for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.