Why Knicks Game 1 comeback is unlike any other win in franchise history

The New York Knicks delivered one of the most unforgettable playoff comebacks in franchise history Tuesday night. New York erased a massive fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.

The victory extended the Knicks’ playoff winning streak to eight games, the longest postseason streak in franchise history. Even more impressive, New York rallied from 22 points down in the fourth quarter, completely shifting momentum in the series while stunning a Cavaliers team that appeared firmly in control late in regulation.

The Cavaliers built a 93-71 lead with 7:52 remaining before the Knicks suddenly erupted offensively while tightening defensively. New York closed regulation and overtime on a dominant 44-11 run, holding Cleveland to only 11 total points over the final 7:40 and the extra period combined.

Jalen Brunson once again led the comeback effort with another signature postseason performance. The All-Star guard finished with 38 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals while relentlessly attacking the Cavaliers throughout the closing minutes. Brunson also scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and tied the game with 19 seconds remaining before New York completely took over in overtime.

StatKeet’s Keerthika Uthayakumar shared the historical significance of the comeback on her X, formerly Twitter, account moments after the final buzzer sounded at Madison Square Garden.

“Knicks come back from 22 in the fourth quarter, their largest comeback win in the playoffs in franchise history.

It’s the fourth time they’ve comeback from down 20 or more over last 2 postseasons.”

Knicks come back from 22 in the fourth quarter, their largest comeback win in the playoffs in franchise history.

It's the fourth time they've comeback from down 20 or more over last 2 postseasons.

— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) May 20, 2026

The Knicks’ Game 1 comeback win is now the second-largest fourth-quarter playoff rally of the play-by-play era. Landry Shamet added a crucial three-pointer in OT as they opened the extra period on a decisive 9-0 run, while Cleveland failed to recover after Donovan Mitchell stopped scoring from the field following the 8:19 mark in the fourth.

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