The Knicks took Game 3 in Cleveland.
There are so many different reasons that the New York Knicks have been dominant this postseason and one of the biggest reasons just re-introduced himself in a big way on Saturday night.
The New York Knicks took down the Cleveland Cavaliers on their own court 121-108 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals to improve to a 3-0 lead and while Jalen Brunson naturally led the way again with 30 points, it was the performances of the surrounding Knicks, especially OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, that also impressed.
Anunoby's Big Night
Anunoby had a bit of a slow start in the first two games of the series while he was still finding his footing after suffering an injury back in the Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, but his performance in Game 3 dispelled any worry about his return to the court.
He finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 6-10 from the field and turning the ball over just once, providing a huge lift to the Knicks in a game where they led nearly the entire time, but never truly shook off the Cavaliers.
Cleveland gave chase throughout all four quarters, even outscoring New York in the second quarter 27-23, meaning the Knicks had to be on their A-game all 48 minutes.
The energy that Anunoby brought was a major part of keeping that advantage throughout the game, and it's something that he's done throughout the season and why he's been such a vital part of making the Knicks so successful.
A Deep Roster
Bridges, who has steadily risen throughout the playoffs, has a stellar game of his own with 22 points on 11-15 shooting along with six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
Bridges has always been a huge presence on the defensive end for New York, but the way his offense has come along in the postseason has made him elite.
The Knicks' strength is not just in their stars, but in their diversity of talent. While Brunson and Towns naturally lead the charge, and do it well, on both ends of the court, but everyone on the roster can step up at any given time.
In Game 2 of the Conference Finals it was Josh Hart, who led the team with 26 point and in Game 1's massive comeback, while Brunson led the team in scoring, Landry Shamet delivered three clutch three pointers at the perfect time to keep the team's hopes alive, then seal the deal in overtime.
The Knicks are flirting with yet another playoff sweep and it's taken the entire team to get there.
