New York Knicks have reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years after defeating Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals played on Monday night.
The victory saw the Knicks complete a 4-0 sweep in the best of seven series while also extending their franchise playoff winning streak to 11 games.
The New York side produced a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the scoring after recording 19 points and 14 rebounds while point guard Jalen Brunson added 15 points in another impressive display.
The Knicks, whose only NBA championships came in 1970 and 1973, last reached the NBA Finals in 1999 where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Jalen Brunson who was named the Most Valuable Player of the Eastern Conference Finals said teamwork and belief among players had played a major role in the club’s success this season.
“It means a lot but I would not be here without my teammates and the belief they had in me,” said Brunson after the match.
The New York Knicks reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. Photo : Courtesy.
The 29 year old guard also reflected on the emotional moment noting that his father Rick Brunson, who currently serves as an assistant coach at the Knicks, was part of the New York squad that last reached the finals in 1999.
The Knicks started the game strongly ending the first quarter with an 8-0 run before opening the second quarter with 12 unanswered points to establish a commanding 50-26 lead over the Cavaliers.
Landry Shamet also impressed after scoring 16 points and successfully converting all four of his three point attempts as the Knicks continued dominating the game throughout all quarters.
The Cavaliers struggled to recover after committing 22 turnovers while star player Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points in a losing effort for Cleveland.
Speaking after the victory, Shamet said the team remains focused on winning the NBA championship despite celebrating qualification to the finals.
“We have four more wins to try and get and we know it’s going to be even harder. Being in this position with this team is special,” said Shamet.
The Knicks will now face either defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals after the Western Conference Finals remained tied at 2-2.
Basketball analysts have praised the Knicks for their consistency and defensive discipline during the playoffs with many now considering them serious contenders for the NBA title.
The victory has also sparked celebrations among Knicks supporters who have waited nearly three decades to see the club return to the NBA Finals.
If the Knicks continue their unbeaten playoff run and sweep the finals, they will equal the NBA playoff record winning streak of 15 games set by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
