Anshari Taslim
However, the trajectory of the game dramatically shifted with 12 minutes and 39 seconds remaining on the clock. It was at this juncture that Jalen Brunson initiated a performance that would redefine the narrative of the match. Over the ensuing minutes, which included a decisive five-minute overtime period, Brunson contributed 17 of his game-high 38 points. This individual brilliance spearheaded a remarkable 44-11 run by the Knicks, effectively dismantling the Cavaliers’ substantial advantage and culminating in a 115-104 victory for New York. The Knicks now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0, a result that, given the nature of the comeback, is widely perceived to carry momentum beyond a mere single win.
The Knicks are not unfamiliar with dramatic fourth-quarter swings in the conference finals. In the previous year, they found themselves on the receiving end of a similar shock, as Indiana mounted a 14-point comeback in the final three minutes to secure an overtime victory. This time, New York delivered the surprise, achieving the second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in the NBA’s play-by-play era, a statistical record dating back to 1997. Prior to this game, teams holding a lead of at least 22 points in the fourth quarter boasted an astonishing 594-1 record in playoff history. The sole previous instance of such a lead being squandered occurred in 2012 when the Memphis Grizzlies capitulated to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers’ Game 1 collapse now adds a second entry to this undesirable statistical ledger, marking a significant and unwelcome piece of history for the franchise.
The pivotal turning point in the game was Jalen Brunson’s strategic and relentless targeting of Cavaliers guard James Harden. Brunson systematically exploited the matchup, initiating offensive sequences designed to isolate Harden defensively. Over the fourth quarter and overtime combined, the Knicks involved Harden in 21 on-ball screens, according to analysis by the All NBA podcast. These actions frequently transitioned into nine isolation plays, from which Brunson and the Knicks generated an exceptionally efficient 1.9 points per possession. This offensive execution against Harden was a critical factor in the Knicks’ resurgence.
A stark contrast in individual performance underscored the shift in momentum during the crucial final minutes. Jalen Brunson converted eight of his last 10 field goal attempts, demonstrating remarkable composure and precision under pressure. Conversely, the Cavaliers’ primary offensive threats, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, collectively missed nine of their final 10 shots, effectively stifling Cleveland’s ability to respond to New York’s offensive onslaught. While Brunson’s heroics were central, other significant plays punctuated the comeback. Mikal Bridges, a key contributor for the Knicks, drained two crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes. Landry Shamet, also of the Knicks, hit a pivotal corner three-pointer that bounced off multiple parts of the rim before falling, tying the game with 45 seconds left in regulation. The Cavaliers had an opportunity to win at the buzzer, but Sam Merrill’s potential game-winner, a deep shot that appeared halfway down, ultimately rimmed out, sending the contest into overtime. The Knicks certainly benefited from favorable bounces in the dying moments, but the strategic decision-making leading up to that point was equally impactful.
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Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson faced scrutiny for his decision to keep James Harden on the floor during the Knicks’ historic run, particularly as Brunson’s intent to target him became evident. When questioned post-game about whether he considered benching Harden, Atkinson defended his player, stating, "He’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs. I trust him. Smart. Great hands. Didn’t think about that."
Atkinson’s assessment of Harden’s defensive capabilities is not entirely without merit. Throughout the earlier stages of the playoffs, Harden demonstrated value in specific defensive assignments, notably his ability to guard bigger players in the post, such as Paul Reed of the Pistons. This allowed Cavaliers frontcourt players like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to operate more freely as help defenders and rim protectors. Harden’s physical strength and "good hands" for occasional swipe steals have been assets in certain defensive scenarios. However, guarding in open space against a quick, shifty, and determined ball-handler like Jalen Brunson presents an entirely different challenge. Harden’s lateral quickness is a known limitation, making it difficult for him to consistently stay in front of elite perimeter scorers. Once New York’s strategy to isolate Brunson on Harden in open space became clear and demonstrably effective, the decision to maintain the matchup proved costly. At that stage of the game, with a substantial lead, the Cavaliers’ primary need was defensive stability, not Harden’s offense, which had become a liability as his defensive struggles mounted. His inability to contain Brunson contributed significantly to the unraveling of Cleveland’s lead, culminating in an unprecedented collapse.
Harden’s postseason performance leading up to Game 1 has been a subject of ongoing debate. While his shooting percentages have been subpar and his turnover rate elevated, his on/off court statistics painted a more favorable picture for the Cavaliers. Entering Game 1, Cleveland had outscored opponents by 62 points in 524 minutes with Harden on the floor, compared to being outscored by 40 points in his 158 bench minutes. These numbers were indicative of his overall impact on Cleveland’s offensive flow. Despite his individual inefficiencies, Harden’s playmaking ability has been crucial in alleviating the offensive burden on Donovan Mitchell, allowing Mitchell to attack defenses in rotation. His capacity to draw multiple defenders has also created opportunities for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, facilitating pocket passes into advantageous 4-on-3 situations. The trade for Harden has widely been considered a success for the Cavaliers in enabling their deep playoff run, with Harden leading the team in postseason minutes. However, Game 1 starkly highlighted the "other side of that coin," specifically his defensive vulnerabilities in critical moments.
Prior to the series, former NBA guard Jeff Teague, speaking on his Club 520 podcast, asserted that the Cavaliers lacked a defender capable of effectively guarding Jalen Brunson. While a perfect counter for Brunson may not exist, James Harden’s performance in Game 1 certainly reinforced the notion that he is not that player. Beyond serving as a "defensive red carpet" for Brunson’s incursions, Harden struggled offensively himself, converting just 5 of 16 field goal attempts, including a mere 1 of 8 from three-point range, while also committing six turnovers. This individual stat line contributed to a troubling trend of inconsistent playoff performances that has characterized parts of his career.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson’s burgeoning legacy with the Knicks continues to expand with each remarkable performance. In just his fourth season with the franchise, Brunson is building a compelling case as one of the most impactful players in team history. His clutch heroics, once surprising, are now increasingly becoming an expectation for the New York faithful. Brunson holds the Knicks’ franchise record for points in a conference finals game, having scored 43 points in Game 1 against Indiana last year. His 38 points in this contest now give him the two highest-scoring conference finals games in Knicks history. He has already surpassed iconic players such as Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant in playoff games with at least 40 points and five assists. Furthermore, his five 30-point conference finals games in four years with the Knicks represent another franchise record.
Under Brunson’s leadership, the Knicks’ offense has been consistently formidable, having eclipsed the 100-point mark in 20 consecutive playoff games. This achievement represents the second-longest streak over the last 35 years, trailing only the offensively potent Stephen Curry-Kevin Durant era Golden State Warriors, who accomplished it 25 times.
Beyond Brunson’s individual brilliance, the Knicks present a well-rounded and formidable team. Their defense, when engaged, is highly effective and can be suffocating. They possess elite size on the wings and generally demonstrate strong three-point shooting (despite an initial struggle in Game 1, where they missed 16 of their first 19 attempts before finishing 10 of 32). The team boasts considerable depth and versatility, benefiting from the enthusiastic support of their home crowd. Key contributors include their big-time center Karl-Anthony Towns, who provides a strong interior presence, and Josh Hart, who injects energy and speed, particularly in transition.
Ultimately, the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA Finals appearance this century and their first championship since 1973 is fundamentally anchored by the exceptional talent and leadership of Jalen Brunson, who once again proved to be the decisive factor in Game 1.
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