Overview
- The New York Knicks rallied from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime, with Jalen Brunson scoring 38 points and delivering 15 in the fourth to spark the run.
- Knicks coach Mike Brown said New York deliberately attacked James Harden late in the game, and Harden finished 5-for-16 with six turnovers as the Cavs were outscored 44-11 to close regulation and overtime.
- Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson defended Harden after the loss and did not consider benching him, but coverage says the collapse has intensified questions about Harden’s defensive fit and the Cavaliers’ late-game management.
- In the West, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime as Victor Wembanyama posted a 41-point, 24-rebound night and rookie Dylan Harper produced a historic 24-11-6-7 stat line in 47 minutes.
- Both series move to Game 2 with the Knicks hosting the Cavaliers on Thursday and the Spurs preparing for a follow-up in Oklahoma City, leaving teams to plan tactical adjustments and monitor roster availability for the next games.