On Friday night, the New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, stating their hopes for the series.
The Knicks took a 2-1 series lead by defeating the Cavs 99-79. They defeated a Cavs team that was confident following Tuesday's decisive Game 2 win and thought it was ready for Madison Square Garden's loud atmosphere.
"We were locked in," Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said. "Just credit to the coaching staff, getting us ready and everyone just locking in on our game plan and executing and everyone on the same page."
Both teams struggled to adjust to the sellout crowd in the first half, but the Knicks took control by tightening up on defense and holding Cavs guard Darius Garland to 4-for-21
shooting after he scored 32 points in Game 2. The Knicks played with intensity and togetherness after Tuesday's Game 2 loss.
"I thought we had good overall activity," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Good intensity, guys were connected, did a good job challenging shots and finishing."
Brunson answered the call with 21 points and six assists. He led the team in the second half with many big plays to put the game away.
In a low-scoring game, the Knicks scored 28 points off the Cavs' 20 turnovers. "I think we kind of shot ourselves in the foot on that one," Cavs standout guard Donovan Mitchell said.
"We were overhyped. I think you're just playing fast, trying to do so much in one play. You'll endure that hostility. Instead of appearing timid, calm that.