Jalen Brunson Helps New York Knicks Hold Off Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1

• The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series
• Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart made crucial baskets against the Cavs in the fourth quarter
• The Knicks survived a late rally by the Cavaliers in the series opener

Jalen Brunson showed why he was paid the big bucks by the Knicks this past offseason.

He scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half, helping New York record a thrilling 101-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1.

Brunson made timely baskets down the stretch for the Knicks, who survived a late surge by the Cavs.

Cleveland went on a stunning 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter, turning a 92-84 deficit into a 93-92 advantage with 2:12 left in the contest.

Joel Embiid bolsters MVP case, scores 52 in Sixers’ win against Celtics

NBA

Brunson delivers clutch performance

Brunson took over for New York late, knocking down an 18-foot step-back jumper to give the Knicks a 97-93 lead with 1:15 remaining. He restored the Knicks’ four-point advantage with 35 seconds left, driving past Cedi Osman for an easy layup.

It wasn’t just Brunson who played well for the Knicks in the closing minutes. Josh Hart also delivered, draining a critical 3-pointer that stopped the Cavs’ 9-0 blast.

He was superb off the bench, registering a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, per ESPN.

The Knicks showed their depth in this contest, with their reserves outscoring the Cavs’ bench players 37-14.

Randle makes winning return 

The Knicks got a huge boost before the start of Game 1, with Julius Randle declared fit for the playoff opener. He missed New York's last five games after spraining his ankle on March 29.

Milwaukee Bucks clinch top seed in East with win over Chicago Bulls

NBA

The All-Star forward didn’t look injured in his return, scoring 16 of his 19 points in the first half to set the tone for New York. 

It was a disappointing loss for the Cavs, who surrendered home-court advantage on the first day of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland in Game 1, scoring a game-high 38 points. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen dropped 17 and 14 points, respectively.

Game 1 goes to Philadelphia

Sports Brief recently reported on the Sixers’ win over the Nets in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series.

James Harden and Joel Embiid led Philadelphia, combining for 49 points.

Harden was red-hot from beyond the arc, knocking down seven 3-pointers against Brooklyn.