The New York Knicks closed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals with a 22‑point fourth‑quarter surge that forced a 104‑102 loss for the Cavaliers. Coach Mike Brown said the comeback hinged on a relentless focus on James Harden, who endured 27 defensive picks – the most a guard has faced in a playoff game.

Knicks defense shifted after 8:30 remaining, switching Harden onto Jalen Brunson for ten straight possessions. That move yielded 18 points, 13 from Brunson alone, as New York capitalized on Harden’s screen‑defending weaknesses. Despite Cleveland’s attempts to double Brunson, the Cavaliers opened lanes for Bridges and Anunoby, allowing the Knicks to tie the score in the series.

Harden’s average defensive output drops from 1.00 points per pick to 1.53 in this game, climbing to 1.80 when he switches. The Cavaliers lack a viable alternative: hiding him on a less dangerous ball‑handler would expose Donovan Mitchell, while doubling hard‑to‑adjust screens stalls the Knicks but opens three‑point lanes for the team ahead in the series.

To stay in the series, Cleveland must force Harden to fight through Knicks screens or keep him on the same defender he struggles against. Failure to adapt could see the Cavs drop a second straight 0‑2 opening, cementing the Knicks’ dominance in the decisive Game 2 for Cleveland to win in New York this season they must.