Knicks Edge Cavaliers in Thrilling Christmas Showdown
Thursday, December 25, 2025, 12:00 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
New York Knicks 126, Cleveland Cavaliers 124, 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 126-124 at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2025.
Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
The New York Knicks secured a narrow victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 126-124 at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day. This win marked the Knicks' third consecutive victory over the Cavaliers this season, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. The matchup was significant not only for its holiday timing but also for the intense competition displayed by both teams.
Entering the game, the Knicks boasted a solid home record of 21-9, while the Cavaliers held a record of 17-15. The Knicks had recently been in strong form at home, with an 8-2 record over their last ten games, although they faced a setback with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves just a day prior to this matchup. Their recent scoring average at home was an impressive 120.1 points per game, while they allowed 111.9 points on average.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers had shown resilience, winning their last two games against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets, both at home, which improved their recent record to 5-5 over the last ten games. They averaged 122.6 points scored while allowing 121.5 points during this stretch, indicating a trend of high-scoring games.
The Knicks' performance at home has been particularly noteworthy, with a home record of 5-1 in their last six games, while the Cavaliers have struggled on the road with a 2-1 record in their last three away games. This game was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings in the competitive Eastern Conference.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks faced challenges with Mohamed Diawara and Jalen Brunson both listed as day-to-day due to finger and wrist injuries, respectively. Their availability was uncertain leading into the game, which could have impacted the Knicks' offensive strategy.
The market reflected a competitive outlook for the game, with DraftKings listing the Knicks as 4.5-point favorites and setting the total points line at 241.5. The Knicks' moneyline was priced at -180.0, while the Cavaliers were set at +150.0, indicating a belief in the Knicks' home advantage despite the close nature of the matchup.
Conditions at Madison Square Garden were typical for a winter evening, with a lively crowd adding to the atmosphere of the holiday game. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest that featured multiple lead changes and clutch performances from both sides.
As the game progressed, the fourth quarter showcased the intensity of the matchup. Key scoring plays included a 25-foot three-pointer by Jalen Brunson, which gave the Knicks a crucial lead late in the game. The Cavaliers responded with a driving layup from Darius Garland and a dunk by Donovan Mitchell, keeping the game tightly contested.
Ultimately, the Knicks managed to hold on to their slim lead, with Karl-Anthony Towns making a free throw that sealed the victory. The game exemplified the competitive spirit of both teams and highlighted the Knicks' ability to perform under pressure at home. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how both teams build on this performance as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -4.5 | 241.5 o -112 / u -108 | Cleveland Cavaliers +150 · New York Knicks -180 |
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsJalen Brunson34New York Knicks
- AssistsTyler Kolek9New York Knicks
- ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns14New York Knicks
- PointsDonovan Mitchell34Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDarius Garland10Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley9Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
New York Knicks
Last 10: 8-2Streak L1120.1 scored · 111.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L104-115at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 24
- W132-125vs Miami HeatDec 21
- L107-116vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 20
- W114-113at Indiana PacersDec 19
- W124-113vs San Antonio SpursDec 17
- W132-120at Orlando MagicDec 13
- W117-101at Toronto RaptorsDec 10
- W106-100vs Orlando MagicDec 7
- W146-112vs Utah JazzDec 6
- W119-104vs Charlotte HornetsDec 4
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2122.6 scored · 121.5 allowed per game2-1 away
- W141-118vs New Orleans PelicansDec 24
- W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
- L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
- L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
- L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
- W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
- L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
- W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
- L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
- W135-119at Indiana PacersDec 2
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 | 45-86 | 44-94 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 15-34 | 21-44 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 48 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 31 |
| Assists | 30 | 28 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 0 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 40 |
| Fouls | 22 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 74 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter94-82Tyler Kolek makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter94-84Jordan Clarkson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter96-84De'Andre Hunter makes 8-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter99-84Dean Wade makes 23-foot running jump shot (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter99-86Jordan Clarkson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter100-86Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-86Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-86Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-86Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-88Jordan Clarkson makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter103-91Tyler Kolek makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter104-91Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-91Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-91Jaylon Tyson makes 1-foot layup (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter107-93Josh Hart makes two point shot (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter107-94Josh Hart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-95Josh Hart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-96Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-97Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-97Jarrett Allen makes driving layup (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter109-100Jalen Brunson makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Mitchell Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter109-103Tyler Kolek makes 25-foot three pointer (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter111-103Donovan Mitchell makes 22-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter111-106Jordan Clarkson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter111-108Tyler Kolek makes 22-foot jumper (Mitchell Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter111-110Jalen Brunson makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter113-110Donovan Mitchell makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter113-113Jalen Brunson makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter114-113Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-113Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-113Evan Mobley makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter117-116Tyler Kolek makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-118Mikal Bridges makes 8-foot running pullup jump shot (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter119-118Darius Garland makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter119-121Jalen Brunson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter119-123Karl-Anthony Towns makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter121-123Donovan Mitchell makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter121-125OG Anunoby makes dunk (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter124-125Donovan Mitchell makes 28-foot running pullup jump shot (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter124-126Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Knicks, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- Attendance19812
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Che Flores, Ray Acosta
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