Cleveland Cavaliers clawed into the Eastern Conference finals despite a stunning Game 1 collapse, surrendering a 22‑point lead to fall 115‑104 in overtime against the New York Knicks. The loss snapped a league‑best 27‑0 streak of holding 20‑point leads and marked the second‑largest fourth‑quarter playoff collapse.

Donovan Mitchell led the effort with 29 points and six steals, insisting the group’s resilience outweighs the disappointment. Veteran center Jarrett Allen posted 22 points and 19 rebounds in the previous series, while Evan Mobley recorded a postseason‑best 4.1 assists per game, underscoring the roster’s balanced production. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mitchell’s inclusive leadership, noting his ability to keep younger players focused on expectations rather than pressure.

The run reflects Koby Altman's decade‑long rebuild since LeBron James departed, turning a 60‑159 three‑year slump into a contender that now sits atop the league’s third‑most regular‑season wins over the past four years. Yet the franchise’s modest playoff victory total raises questions about how long patience will last if the Cavs cannot capture a title this postseason.