Knicks move within one win of NBA Finals after 121-108 victory over Cavaliers

Knicks move within one win of NBA Finals after 121-108 victory over Cavaliers

The Knicks are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 after a 121-108 victory over the Cavaliers. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22, and OG Anunoby contributed 21 as New York led the entire game. The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals with a win on Monday. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. All but one of their wins have come by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.

Gobble's Take: One win away, and the margin of victory has barely been a question all postseason. Source: Yahoo Sports NBA

Mikal Bridges steps up again as Knicks take 3-0 series lead over Cavaliers

For most of the regular season, Mikal Bridges was maligned for his sheepish style of play, and production unbefitting of a player that took five first-round picks to acquire. That carried over into the first few games of the Knicks' first-round series with the Hawks, but what a difference a month makes.

Bridges has become one of the Knicks' most reliable players on both ends of the floor, coming up big in New York's 121-108 win over the Cavaliers to take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. He finished with 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks in 39 minutes. Coach Mike Brown credited his ability to hit big shots, grab boards, and guard James Harden without fouling. Brown noted that Bridges and OG Anunoby have found ways to impose their will without needing plays called for them. New York dominated in transition, 17-4, built on leakouts and defense-to-offense buckets.

Over three games, Bridges has shot 64, 75, and 73 percent and is a combined plus-51 — more than even Anunoby's plus-48.

Gobble's Take: 22 points, three steals, two blocks, and a combined plus-51 across three games — Bridges has become a consistent second option alongside Brunson in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Source: Yahoo Sports NBA

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