[Game Recap]

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks

May 19, 2026

New York Knicks Defeat Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in Game 1 of East Conference Finals

Game Summary

The New York Knicks secured a 115-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the East Conference Finals. The Knicks showcased a solid performance, leveraging their efficiency with a field goal percentage of 47.7% while limiting the Cavaliers to just 40.0% shooting. Cleveland struggled with turnovers, committing 19, which proved detrimental against New York's defensive pressure.

Top Performers

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with an impressive 38 points, contributing six assists and five rebounds, underscoring his pivotal role in the victory. Mikal Bridges added 18 points and played well defensively, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer with 29 points, supported by Evan Mobley and James Harden, who each scored 15 points but were unable to shift the momentum in Cleveland's favor.

Odds Recap

The New York Knicks, favored by 6 points, successfully covered the spread with an 11-point margin of victory. The game total exceeded the pre-game line of 218.0, finishing over by 1 point, highlighting the offensive capabilities displayed by both teams.

Prediction Recap

The model accurately predicted the New York Knicks to win, cover the spread, and the total to go over. This performance aligned with expectations, demonstrating the Knicks' strength in this playoff matchup.

Series Update

With this victory, the New York Knicks take a 1-0 lead in the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, setting the stage for the next game in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Visit oddsinsights.com for the latest odds on future matchups. Stay informed on the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks as the playoffs progress.