While Jalen Brunson once again delivered in clutch moments for New York, much of the postgame attention quickly shifted toward James Harden and Cleveland’s late-game defensive collapse.
During New York’s stunning 44-11 run across the fourth quarter and overtime, the Knicks repeatedly attacked Harden in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, exploiting mismatches possession after possession. Harden finished that stretch with just three points on 1-for-5 shooting, no assists, and one turnover while struggling to slow down New York’s offense.
After the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown openly admitted the strategy was intentional.
“There is no secret, we were attacking Harden,” Brown said following the win.
The numbers highlighted just how effective the approach became. According to tracking data shared after the game, Harden was targeted as the primary screener defender on 21 on-ball actions during the comeback stretch, with the Knicks generating elite offensive efficiency on those possessions. Whenever New York forced Harden into switches against Brunson and the Knicks’ wings, Cleveland’s defense struggled to contain dribble penetration and late rotations.
Brunson took full advantage.
The Knicks star repeatedly called for screens designed specifically to bring Harden into the action, creating driving lanes and forcing Cleveland into defensive breakdowns. New York’s offense suddenly transformed after struggling for much of the first three quarters against the Cavaliers’ physical defense.
Meanwhile, Cleveland appeared unable to regain control once momentum shifted. Donovan Mitchell, who had dominated earlier in the game, went scoreless late after appearing limited physically down the stretch. The Cavaliers also struggled with late-game execution, turnovers, and defensive communication as Madison Square Garden erupted during the comeback.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson defended Harden afterward and said he never considered removing him during defensive possessions late in the game.
“He’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs,” Atkinson said. “I trust him.”
Still, criticism quickly followed Cleveland’s collapse, especially given the magnitude of the blown lead and the lack of adjustments as New York continued hunting favorable matchups. The Cavaliers called only one timeout during the Knicks’ decisive run to force overtime, leaving many questioning the team’s response as the game slipped away.
For New York, however, the comeback further reinforced the growing belief that this Knicks group may be built differently from previous postseason teams. The combination of Brunson’s leadership, late-game shot-making, and relentless pressure completely changed the atmosphere of the series in a matter of minutes.
Now the pressure shifts squarely onto Cleveland entering Game 2. Another loss would send the Cavaliers back to New York facing a dangerous 0-2 deficit — and even more questions about whether they can recover mentally from one of the toughest playoff collapses in franchise history.
