Knicks crush Cavaliers in Game 2, take commanding 2-0 lead in series behind Josh Hart’s career night

Josh Hart posted a career-high 26 points and Jalen Brunson recorded a playoff career-high 14 assists as the New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2026, taking a 2-0 series lead.

Cleveland entered the game having absorbed a late-game comeback loss in Game 1 and responded with a 27-24 first-quarter lead, but New York gained control by halftime. The Knicks extended their advantage to 18 points in the third quarter, including an 18-0 run, before Cleveland trimmed the deficit to nine with approximately 8:30 remaining in the fourth. Back-to-back three-pointers from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges restored the margin and effectively settled the contest. All New York starters were withdrawn with under two minutes remaining.

Cleveland’s defensive approach targeted Brunson aggressively with double-teams, leaving Hart open on the perimeter. Hart converted 10 of 21 field-goal attempts, including 5 of 11 from three-point range, and added seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Brunson contributed 19 points alongside his 14 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds for New York. The Knicks shot 52 percent from the field and held Cleveland to 39 percent. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting, and James Harden added 18 points on 6-of-15. Cleveland shot 69 percent from the free-throw line on 32 attempts, failing to capitalise while in the bonus with more than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Evan Mobley scored 14 points in the first half but did not attempt a shot after the break.

The victory extended New York’s winning streak to nine consecutive playoff games. The series shifts to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 over the coming weekend, where the Cavaliers must win to remain viable in the best-of-seven matchup.