The New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93 on Thursday, moving within two wins of their first NBA Finals since 1999. Josh Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points, Jalen Brunson added 19 points and 14 assists, and Mikal Bridges scored 19. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell and James Harden scored 26 and 18 respectively but couldn't prevent the second straight loss.

The Knicks ran an 18-0 burst in the third quarter to build a 71-53 lead after Cleveland had tied it. New York's ninth straight playoff win matches the longest postseason streak since the Boston Celtics won 10 straight en route to the 2024 title. Fans chanted "Knicks in four!" as starters sat in the final minute. Brunson, who scored 38 in the Game One rally, said "It's the most important game of the year and that's how we treat it."

Cleveland now trails 2-0 and hosts Game Three on Saturday. The Cavs missed 10 free throws, shooting 68.8%, which Harden attributed to the pressure of not making shots. Mitchell insisted there's nothing to hang their head about and the series is in their hands. The Knicks haven't played for a championship since losing to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.