Knicks defeat Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1 of playoff

The New York Knicks snatched away a narrow 101-97 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the playoffs on Saturday night.

GAME ONE GOES TO NEW YORK #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/on8KiMxQ45

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 16, 2023

Jalen Brunson had an inspired performance as he netted home 27 points, 21 of which came in the second half. Julius Randle also starred for the Knicks as he added 19 points on his return from ankle injury.

Donovan Mitchell was the danger man for the Cleveland team as he bagged 38 points. The Cavaliers had a real shot at a comeback in the dying seconds, but a critical rebound from Randle saved the day for the Knicks.

“You can’t say enough about the monster rebound Julius made at the end,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “That rebound was huge. Huge.”

The New York Knicks have defeated the Cavaliers in their last three meetings in the playoffs and the Cleveland team will be looking to overturn their fortune in the upcoming Game 2.

“First off, this isn’t the end of the world. We got to go get one right back,” Mitchell said. “There’s no room to sit here and feel sorry or feel upset and get down. It’s one game. We will respond.”