The Eastern Conference-best Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 108-102 on Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 26 points and 13 assists on 10-for-17 shooting. Max Strus had 19 points and five rebounds on 7-for-15 shooting, including 5-for-12 from the 3-point line. Evan Mobley finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Jarrett Allen had 11 points and 13 rebounds. Isaac Okoro contributed 15 points and five boards on 6-for-9 shooting off the bench, while Craig Porter Jr. added 11 points and five rebounds (4-for-5 shooting).

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points. He shot 9-for-17, including 3-for-7 on 3-pointers. Mikal Bridges had 17 points and assists on 6-for-13 shooting. OG Anunoby finished with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists on 6-for-18 shooting (2-for-9 from downtown).
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Landry Shamet scored 15 points off the bench on 5-for-12 shooting (5-for-11 from beyond the arc). Miles McBride added 12 points (4-for-8 shooting, 3-for-5 on triples).
The game's result did not affect Cleveland's seeding. However, the third-seeded New York had an opportunity to clinch the No. 3 seed. The Knicks have lost their third straight game. With a 50-31 record, they lead fourth-placed Indiana Pacers (49-32) by just a game. New York holds the tiebreaker against Indiana.
Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back. The Knicks lost to the Detroit Pistons 115-106 in a possible first-round matchup preview. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers lost to the streaking Pacers 114-112.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks player stats and box score
Cleveland Cavaliers player stats and box score
New York Knicks player stats and box score
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks game summary
The New York Knicks had a 39-24 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of the first quarter. Jalen Brunson scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting (2-for-3 on 3-pointers).
The Knicks took a 62-50 lead to the halftime break. Brunson had 15 points, while Miles McBride added 11 points off the bench.
In the third quarter, New York was able to maintain its lead over Cleveland. They had an 86-78 lead heading into the fourth.
The Cavs outscored the Knicks 30-16 in the final frame to take the victory, their 64th this season.
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