The New York Knicks have taken a giant stride towards a maiden NBA Finals appearance in 27 years.
Josh Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points while Jalen Brunson had 19 points and 14 assists, as the Knicks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 on Thursday to move halfway to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Mikal Bridges also scored 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who won their ninth straight game.
It is the NBA's longest post-season winning streak since the Boston Celtics won 10 straight on their way to the 2024 championship.
Two nights after rallying from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Knicks made sure they would be in control late with an 18-0 run in the third quarter that gave them a 71-53 lead.
