Nov 12, 2026 4:46 PM
Jalen Brunson reflects on the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The New York Knicks saw their four-game win streak snapped on Wednesday when they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-107.
James Harden turned back the clock at Madison Square Garden, scoring 32 points and knocking down five threes. It was his first game of the season in which he scored more than 25 points.
Donovan Mitchell had 23 for the Cavs while Tyrese Proctor and Meelek Thomas combined for 29 points off the bench.
On the Knicks side of the box score, Jalen Brunson had 27 points, but was a -20 on the night as the Cavaliers took over late when Brunson re-entered the game for the closing stretch.
Related stories
After the game, Brunson took responsibility for his part in not being able to close the game for the team.
“On my end, it can’t be hesitant and stagnant at times. It puts my team at a disadvantage. I have to be more aggressive in my mistakes, if I’m making any. I have to have more aggression,” he said.
Brunson credited the Cavaliers for how they were playing, saying it took him a second to read their defense and that he didn’t adjust in-game as fast as he wanted to.
The Closing Stretch
The game was tied at 101-101 before Harden hit a three with 4:20 left to put the Cavs up. Brunson re-entered the game at that point.
Though he hit his first shot, a driving floater, the Knicks offense went cold, and they couldn’t get stops. Brunson’s floater with 3:26 remaining was New York’s only made field goal until Brunson hit another floater with 23 seconds remaining.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers torched the Knicks’ defense, with Mitchell and Harden setting up Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen for easy baskets around the rim. To close out the game.
As has been the case for much of the season for the Knicks, they were able to get into the paint during the final minutes, but were unable to convert. Brunson, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride all missed shots driving layups during crunch time.
The Knicks are fourth in shot attempts in the restricted area, but dead last in field goal percentage.
Brunson, who has been one of the best clutch players in the league in recent seasons, is struggling himself, as the Knicks are 1-5 in clutch games, with Brunson scoring 2.8 points on 37% shooting.
Last season, the Knicks were 21-11 in clutch situations with Brunson in the lineup. He scored 3.6 points on 48% shooting.
For the Knicks to win these close games, they have to convert at the rim and Brunson needs to return to form.
1
Comments
Powered by RoundtableAn AI/DeFi-powered Enterprise Media Operating System. Learn more at Roundtable.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy


