Knicks Defeat Cavaliers in Season Opener at Home
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
New York Knicks 119, Cleveland Cavaliers 111, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks?
New York Knicks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 at Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2025.
The New York Knicks secured a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing the game with a score of 119 to 111 at Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2025. This win marks the Knicks' second consecutive victory over the Cavaliers, as they lead the series 1-0 this season. The Knicks entered the game with a home record of 1-0, while the Cavaliers were looking to bounce back from an opening loss, bringing their away record to 0-1.
In terms of recent form, the Knicks have had a mixed performance over their last ten games, recording a 6-4 record. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, with an average of 110.7 points scored and 106.5 points allowed per game. Their last five games show a record of 2-3, with an average of 110.0 points scored and 109.0 points allowed. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have also shown a similar record of 6-4 in their last ten games, but they are currently on a one-game losing streak. They have averaged 119.7 points scored and 116.4 points allowed during that stretch, with their last five games resulting in a 2-3 record, averaging 117.2 points scored and 115.0 points allowed.
At home, the Knicks have a record of 3-2, while the Cavaliers have performed better on the road with a 4-2 record. The Knicks have struggled against the Cavaliers in their previous meetings, having lost the last four encounters prior to this game. Their most recent matchup was on April 11, 2025, where the Knicks fell short with a score of 102 to 108.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks faced some uncertainty with Mohamed Diawara and Jalen Brunson both listed as day-to-day due to finger and wrist injuries, respectively. Their statuses could have influenced the game, but both players contributed to the Knicks' scoring in crucial moments.
The market had priced the Knicks as favorites to win, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The final score of 119-111 suggests that the Knicks were able to capitalize on their home court, despite the Cavaliers' strong offensive capabilities.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late October evening in New York City, with fans filling Madison Square Garden to support their team. The atmosphere was electric, and viewers were treated to a competitive matchup that showcased the talents of both teams.
Key moments in the fourth quarter included crucial free throws by Jalen Brunson, who helped extend the Knicks' lead in the closing minutes. Additionally, OG Anunoby's contributions, including a pivotal dunk and free throws, were instrumental in sealing the victory for New York. The Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen also made significant plays, but it was not enough to overcome the Knicks' lead.
Overall, this game highlighted the Knicks' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season as they look to build on this win.
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsOG Anunoby24New York Knicks
- AssistsMikal Bridges6New York Knicks
- ReboundsOG Anunoby14New York Knicks
- PointsDonovan Mitchell31Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsLonzo Ball6Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley8Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
New York Knicks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1110.7 scored · 106.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W113-105at Brooklyn NetsApr 13
- L102-108vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 11
- L106-115at Detroit PistonsApr 10
- L117-119vs Boston CelticsApr 8
- W112-98vs Phoenix SunsApr 6
- W121-105at Atlanta HawksApr 5
- L105-124at Cleveland CavaliersApr 2
- W105-91vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 1
- W110-93vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 30
- W116-107at Milwaukee BucksMar 29
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1119.7 scored · 116.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- L118-126vs Indiana PacersApr 13
- W108-102at New York KnicksApr 11
- L112-114at Indiana PacersApr 10
- W135-113vs Chicago BullsApr 8
- L113-120vs Sacramento KingsApr 6
- W114-113at San Antonio SpursApr 5
- W124-105vs New York KnicksApr 2
- W127-122vs LA ClippersMar 30
- L122-133at Detroit PistonsMar 28
- W124-116vs San Antonio SpursMar 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-86 | 37-86 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 19-46 | 14-40 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 35 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 31-36 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 39 |
| Assists | 21 | 22 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 22 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 42 |
| Fouls | 25 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter78-82Miles McBride makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-82Dean Wade makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-85Landry Shamet makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-85Donovan Mitchell makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter83-85Donovan Mitchell makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter86-85Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter86-87Tyler Kolek makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter87-87Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-87Tyrese Proctor makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-89OG Anunoby makes dunk
- 4th Quarter89-91Karl-Anthony Towns makes layup (Jordan Clarkson assists)
- 4th Quarter89-92Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter89-95Miles McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
- 4th Quarter89-96Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-97Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-99Karl-Anthony Towns makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-101Jordan Clarkson makes dunk (Miles McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter91-101Evan Mobley makes 12-foot two point shot (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter94-101Evan Mobley makes 24-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter94-103Tyler Kolek makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-103Lonzo Ball makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-105Jalen Brunson makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-106Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-106Sam Merrill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-106Sam Merrill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-107Mikal Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-108Mikal Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-110Mikal Bridges makes two point shot (OG Anunoby assists)
- 4th Quarter102-110Dean Wade makes 26-foot three point jumper (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter105-110Sam Merrill makes 24-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter105-113OG Anunoby makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter106-113Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-113Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-114Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-115Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-115Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-116OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-118OG Anunoby makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter111-118Sam Merrill makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter111-119OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Knicks, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- Attendance19812
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Jacyn Goble, Matt Kallio
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