The New York Knicks took a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 at Rocket Arena on Saturday night, May 23, 2026.
The victory marked the Knicks' 10th consecutive postseason win.
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New York displayed a balanced offensive performance, with all five starters scoring in double figures and three players exceeding 20 points.
Jalen Brunson led the visitors with a game-high 30 points.
Landry Shamet added 14 points off the bench, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer in front of Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Knicks Focused on Next Game
Despite holding a significant series advantage, the Knicks roster expressed a unified focus on maintaining high intensity ahead of the next matchup.
"We don't think about it that way. We're 1-0 today.
Monday, we're 0-0. We're far from our goal," said Josh Hart, New York Knicks guard.
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"We found a way to win tonight, but we got to have the same desperation like it's 0-0," said Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks center.
"Just come out with desperation like it's still 0-0," added OG Anunoby, New York Knicks forward.
"I just think taking possession by possession and having that 0-0 mentality and playing desperate," said Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks forward.
The Knicks' earlier postseason run included eliminating the Atlanta Hawks in six games and sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
Cleveland missed an opportunity to gain momentum in Game 1, surrendering a 22-point advantage during a 44-11 scoring run by New York.
Knicks fans filled Rocket Arena despite local ticket sales restrictions implemented by Cleveland ownership, chanting throughout the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
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The New York Knicks have an opportunity to advance to the NBA Finals during Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
