The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 Thursday night, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Josh Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points and 14 assists. Mikal Bridges added 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who now sit halfway to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

New York extended their winning streak to nine games, the NBA's longest postseason run since the Boston Celtics won 10 straight en route to the 2024 championship. After rallying from a 22-point deficit two nights prior, the Knicks asserted control with an 18-0 third-quarter run that gave them a 71-53 lead. Fans began chanting "Knicks in four!" in the final minutes.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and James Harden added 18 for Cleveland, who now faces a 2-0 deficit for the second consecutive playoff round. The Cavaliers host Game 3 on Saturday as they look to avoid becoming the latest NBA team to be eliminated after losing the first two games at home. New York has now won nine straight games, with their longest postseason run since 1999.