(VIDEO) Knicks Complete 4-0 Sweep of Cavaliers to Reach NBA Finals for First Time Since 1999 |
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after completing a commanding 4-0 sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 130-93 victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night.
The Knicks, who last reached the championship round 27 years ago, have been in dominant form throughout the postseason. They also swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals and defeated the Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in the first round. With an 11-game winning streak — the third-longest in a single postseason in NBA history — New York enters the Finals seeking its first title since 1973.
Jalen Brunson led the way once again, earning the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds in the decisive Game 4 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The game was effectively decided early. The Knicks erupted with a 20-0 run spanning the end of the first quarter and start of the second, building a lead that Cleveland could never seriously challenge. Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points for the Cavaliers but received little support as his team was overwhelmed by New York's depth, defense and execution.
Brunson, whose father Rick played for the Knicks during their last Finals appearance in 1999, emphasized the team effort after the game. "It means a lot [to get to the finals], but I wouldn't be here without my teammates," Brunson said. "My coach, this staff, the fanbase, without them none of this is possible."
Teammate Josh Hart praised Brunson's steady leadership. "[Brunson's leadership] is vital for us. He's an even keel, he doesn't let us get too high or too low. Even games like this when we're up 15 or 20, he wants to make sure we're........