Knicks Move Within One Win of NBA Finals After Dominant Game 3 Over Cavaliers
The New York Knicks are now just one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-108 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night. With the latest win, New York now leads the series 3-0 and has a chance to complete the sweep Monday night in Cleveland.
Despite the difficult position his team now faces, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said he still believes Cleveland has competed better than the scoreboard shows throughout the series. Speaking to reporters after Game 3, Atkinson explained that the team’s internal analytics suggest the Cavaliers have played closer games than the final results indicate.
According to Atkinson, Cleveland had strong stretches in earlier games, including building a 20-point lead in Game 1. He also pointed to Game 2, saying that aside from one major run by the Knicks during the third quarter, the matchup remained highly competitive. He added that advanced statistical models and expected scoring data show the Cavaliers performing better than many people may think.
Atkinson said Cleveland’s shooting numbers have fallen below expectations during key moments, while New York has consistently shot above projected percentages. He acknowledged that fans and the general public focus mostly on wins and losses, but stressed that the coaching staff also studies the process and performance details behind each game.
While Cleveland’s analytical approach may provide some encouragement internally, the reality of the series remains difficult. The Knicks once again controlled the pace in Game 3 and took advantage of Cleveland’s shooting struggles. The Cavaliers shot only 29 percent from three-point range and also missed several opportunities at the free-throw line, finishing 12-of-19.
New York continued to show confidence on both ends of the court and maintained momentum throughout the game. The Knicks’ offense remained efficient while their defense limited Cleveland’s ability to recover after falling behind. Their strong performance has now pushed the franchise to the edge of its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
For Cleveland, the pressure is now at its highest point of the season. Another loss would end the Cavaliers’ playoff run and send the Knicks to the championship stage. The team will now look to avoid elimination in front of its home crowd and keep the series alive.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Cleveland, where the Knicks will attempt to finish the series while the Cavaliers fight to extend their season.
Sources
NBA
ESPN
Associated Press
