The New York Knicks have advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York completed the four-game sweep on May 25, 2026, following an 11-2 postseason run. Their only two losses were by a single point each.
The Knicks secured a 3-0 series lead with a 121-108 victory in Game 3 on May 23.
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, extending his franchise record for postseason 30-point games to 26. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, and OG Anunoby contributed 21.
New York will now enjoy over a week of rest before the championship series begins on June 3.
The break is crucial for Anunoby, who is rehabilitating a hamstring injury.
NBA Finals Schedule and Home Court
The Western Conference champion, either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, will hold home-court advantage over the 53-29 Knicks.
As a result, New York will open the series on the road for Games 1 and 2 before hosting Games 3, 4, and a potential Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
All games will be broadcast nationally on ABC at 8:30 p. m.
ET.
Following Game 3, guest analyst Draymond Green criticized the lack of leadership in the Cleveland locker room during ESPN's Inside the NBA postgame show.
"Nobody from Cleveland is stepping up. There's no leadership.
Who's walking in that locker room saying what you have to do, what we need to do?" said Green.
Co-analyst Charles Barkley replied, "I got an answer for that question." When Green asked who, Barkley named LeBron James.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised his big man's performance in Game 3, noting seven assists, three steals, and zero turnovers.
"He was our hub. Seven assists and zero turnovers.
Defensively, the three steals. His ability to fire back in the pick-and-roll situation was really good," said Brown.
The championship series marks the ninth NBA Finals appearance for the Knicks, who are chasing their first league title since 1973.
The official schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals is as follows:
