What's happened
The Knicks have extended their playoff-winning streak to 11 games, building momentum toward their first NBA Finals since 1999. Key contributions come from OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns as New York dominates Cavaliers and Hawks runs, with multiple massive scoring sprees shaping the path to the Finals.
What's behind the headline?
Momentum and execution
- The Knicks have built sustained runs that can carry whole games, often sparked by sharpshooting from Anunoby and Bridges and efficient scoring from Brunson.
- They have shown resilience in facing double-digit deficits, converting early breakthroughs into dominant leads.
- The team emphasizes connected defense and ball movement, which fuels their offensive bursts and keeps opponents off balance.
- There may be a point where sustaining these runs becomes more challenging; management will need to balance rest and rotation to preserve energy for potential Finals play.
- Expect continued reliance on Brunson’s creating ability and Towns’ interior scoring to drive late-game momentum.
How we got here
New York has moved into the NBA Finals conversation after an 11-game playoff winning streak that began in the first round against the Hawks. The team has showcased offense staggering runs and strong defense, led by Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby and Towns, with execution across multiple quarters and opponents.
Our analysis
The Guardian, The New York Post, Al Jazeera, The Japan Times all report on the Knicks’ 11-game playoff win streak and the surrounding momentum in the Eastern Conference finals and upcoming NBA Finals.
Go deeper
- Will New York's run extend into the Finals, or will opponents adapt to their momentum shifts?
- Which players will shoulder the most responsibility in late-game runs if defenses tighten?
- How will coach Mike Brown adjust the rotation to handle longer series?
More on these topics
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New York Knicks - Basketball team
The New York Knickerbockers, more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan.
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Cleveland Cavaliers - Basketball team
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division.
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OG Anunoby - British basketball player
Ogugua "OG" Anunoby Jr. (born 17 July 1997) is an English professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers and was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. With Toronto, Anunoby won an NBA championship in 2019, though he was injured and did not play in the finals. He led the league in steals while earning his first NBA All-Defensive Team selection during the 2022–23 season. In December 2023, Anunoby was traded to the Knicks. In 2026, he was named to his second All-Defensive Team and reached the NBA Finals with New York. In Game 4, he tipped in the game-winning shot to complete the largest single-game comeback in NBA Finals history en route to their first championship in 53 years. Anunoby is considered one of the best British players to ever play in the NBA.
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Jalen Brunson - American basketball player
Jalen Marquis Brunson (born August 31, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The son of former NBA guard Rick Brunson, he was selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA draft..
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Mikal Bridges - American basketball player
Mikal Bridges is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, winning national championships in 2016 and 2018.
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Karl-Anthony Towns - Dominican-American basketball player
Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. (born November 15, 1995), also known by his initials KAT, is a Dominican-American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky...