The New York Knicks’ 13‑game playoff streak now hinges on a bench strategy that paid off in Game 1 of the Eastern Finals. A 22‑point deficit to Cleveland collapsed when reserve guard Landry Shamet hit a tying three, sparking a 39‑point rally that kept the series alive.

Shamet, signed on a non‑guaranteed deal, delivered a career‑high 38 points, while Jalen Brunson poured 15 in the final 7:39. Coach Mike Brown’s shift from Thibodeau’s heavy starters to a balanced rotation saw Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Jose Alvarado step up, each posting new career highs in minutes or rebounds.

The Knicks’ front office traded key pieces for depth, and Brown’s philosophy of rotating players kept starters fresh. This approach saved the team from the fatigue that plagued past playoff exits and re‑established confidence in the roster’s depth.

With the Finals set for Game 3, the Knicks’ bench depth remains a decisive factor in their quest for the franchise’s first title since 1999.