Knicks Clinch First NBA Finals Berth Since 1999 With 130-93 Sweep of Cavaliers
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 26
Knicks Clinch First NBA Finals Berth Since 1999 With 130-93 Sweep of Cavaliers
12 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 26
130-93 over Cleveland sent New York to its first NBA Finals since 1999, completing an Eastern Conference sweep after the Knicks had already routed Atlanta 140-89 in the prior round.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led a team that overwhelmed the Cavaliers from the opening quarter, capping a playoff run that also pushed through Philadelphia after a six-game series against Atlanta.
Across Manhattan, fans flooded streets, bars and the area outside Madison Square Garden on Memorial Day, carrying brooms, chanting and climbing traffic lights as NYPD tried to keep order.
The breakthrough followed Leon Rose's decision to replace Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown after last year's loss to Indiana, a gamble that helped turn the Knicks into a two-way contender.
New York now awaits either defending champion Oklahoma City or San Antonio and will chase the franchise's first NBA title since 1973.
Can the Knicks' balanced roster overcome the West's superstars to end a 51-year title drought?
Can Jalen Brunson succeed where his father failed and deliver a long-awaited championship to New York?
Was hiring Mike Brown the masterstroke that finally made the Knicks a true championship contender?
Knicks Sweep Cavaliers, Clinch 2026 NBA Finals Berth: A Historic Run Revitalizes New York Basketball
Overview
The New York Knicks have clinched their first NBA Finals berth in 27 years by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their dominant run included a decisive 130-93 victory in Game 4, extending their playoff winning streak to 11 games. The series was largely uncompetitive, with the Knicks showcasing superior form and rolling to comfortable wins after the Cavaliers squandered a big lead in Game 1. This achievement highlights the Knicks' resurgence and sets the stage for their long-awaited return to the NBA championship stage.