The Cleveland Cavaliers were 7:52 away from stealing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden before the New York Knicks produced one of the largest playoff comebacks in NBA history.
After Cleveland blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in a 115-104 overtime loss Tuesday night, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson pointed to stagnant offense, fatigue, and Jalen Brunson’s late takeover as the biggest reasons for the collapse.
“Yeah, that seemed like a tough one. It’s a tough one. I thought they hit some really tough shots in that fourth quarter. Those two threes, prayer threes, and the shot clock. We got a little unlucky quite honestly,” Atkinson said postgame.
The Cavaliers led 93-71 midway through the fourth quarter before New York closed regulation on a 30-8 run. Brunson finished with 38 points and repeatedly attacked Cleveland’s defense late, helping the Knicks outscore the Cavaliers 44-11 over the final 12:52 of game time, including overtime.
Atkinson credited Brunson for taking control but also acknowledged Cleveland’s offensive execution disappeared late.
“If my only regret — and this can happen when you get a little fatigue — I think it just stopped moving,” Atkinson said. “We were pinging the ball all over the place, great ball movement, and then it just got a little stagnant.”
The Cavaliers shot 36-for-90 from the field and 16-for-50 from 3-point range. They also committed 19 turnovers, including six from James Harden. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 29 points but did not score in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Atkinson said the Knicks’ aggressive defensive coverages played a role in limiting Mitchell late.
“They were blitzing too, a lot of blitzes,” Atkinson said. “We had to get it out of his hands. Blitzing James too. When it’s got two on it, you’ve got to throw it to the next guy.”
Even with the offensive struggles, Atkinson believed Cleveland generated enough quality looks to close the game.
“I told the guys we played great basketball the majority of the game,” Atkinson said. “Just the ball stuck at the end there a little bit. Got to keep trusting the pass. But I’ll also say we got a ton of great looks that didn’t go in.”
The Cavaliers defended Brunson effectively for most of the night before the Knicks star erupted late. Atkinson said Cleveland tried multiple coverages once Brunson found rhythm in the fourth quarter.
“We held him in check most of the game,” Atkinson said. “Basically fourth quarter, he got loose. We definitely tried to mix up some stuff, throw some stuff at him. We’ll have to keep looking at it.”
Brunson repeatedly targeted Harden during the comeback stretch, though Atkinson defended the veteran guard after the loss.
“Listen, he’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs,” Atkinson said. “I trust him. Smart, great hands. Didn’t think about that.”
Cleveland entered the Eastern Conference finals after surviving two seven-game series against Toronto and Detroit. The Cavaliers appeared in control for three quarters before New York flipped the game with its defensive pressure and Brunson’s shot creation.
“I’m super proud of the way our group played,” Atkinson said. “We played great basketball tonight for three quarters. Unfortunately, fourth quarter, they dominated us.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in New York.
