The New York Knicks moved closer to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This victory gives the Knicks a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Josh Hart delivered an impressive performance, scoring 26 points and hitting five three-pointers. Jalen Brunson also made a significant impact, contributing 19 points and a playoff career-high 14 assists. The turning point in the game came during the third quarter when the Knicks launched an 18-0 run after the Cavaliers had tied the game at 53-53. Hart's shooting helped the Knicks build a 71-53 lead. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Hart's ability to perform under pressure, calling him a “gamer.” On the Cavaliers' side, Donovan Mitchell led with 26 points, but the team faced challenges, including a five-minute scoring drought in the third quarter. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged their struggle to convert opportunities into points, stating, “At the end of the day, you’ve got to put the ball in the hole.”