Knicks Overcome Cavaliers in NBA Clash
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
New York Knicks 121, Cleveland Cavaliers 108, 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 New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
New York Knicks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive NBA matchup, the New York Knicks triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 121-108 at Rocket Arena. This victory allowed the Knicks to secure the series win, finishing with a 2-1 record against the Cavaliers in their season meetings.
The Knicks entered the game with a strong away record of 53-29, while the Cavaliers held a home record of 52-30. Recent form for the Cavaliers showed they had won seven of their last ten games, boasting an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed. Their latest performance included a win against the Washington Wizards, where they scored 130 points. In contrast, the Knicks had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 111.2 points scored and 108.3 points allowed. Their last outing resulted in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, where they managed only 96 points.
At home, the Cavaliers had a record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Knicks struggled on the road, posting a 2-3 record in the same span. The Cavaliers had previously shown dominance over the Knicks in their last home game on February 25, 2026, winning 109-94. However, the Knicks had taken two of the three meetings this season, showcasing their ability to compete with the Cavaliers.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks faced uncertainty with both Mohamed Diawara and Jalen Brunson listed as Day-To-Day due to finger and wrist issues, respectively. Their availability could have impacted the Knicks' performance, but they managed to secure the win despite these concerns.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 216.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, but the Knicks' performance proved them to be the stronger side on the night.
As for the game's conditions, it unfolded in a high-stakes environment, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. The Knicks took control in the fourth quarter, with significant scoring plays from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, who contributed crucial baskets to maintain their lead. Brunson's ability to drive to the basket and score layups, alongside Bridges' shooting from mid-range, highlighted the Knicks' offensive strategy.
Overall, the Knicks' victory over the Cavaliers not only secured them a series win but also showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for their upcoming playoff endeavors.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -3.5 | 216.5 o -105 / u -115 | New York Knicks +120 · Cleveland Cavaliers -142 |
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsEvan Mobley24Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsMax Strus6Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJarrett Allen7Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsJalen Brunson30New York Knicks
- AssistsKarl-Anthony Towns7New York Knicks
- ReboundsJosh Hart9New York Knicks
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
- L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
- W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
- W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
- W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
- W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
- L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
- W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
- L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25
New York Knicks
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1111.2 scored · 108.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- L96-110vs Charlotte HornetsApr 12
- W112-95vs Toronto RaptorsApr 10
- W112-106vs Boston CelticsApr 9
- W108-105at Atlanta HawksApr 6
- W136-96vs Chicago BullsApr 3
- W130-119at Memphis GrizzliesApr 2
- L94-111at Houston RocketsApr 1
- L100-111at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 29
- L103-114at Charlotte HornetsMar 26
- W121-116vs New Orleans PelicansMar 24
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Knicks | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-77 | 42-84 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 11-28 | 12-41 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 29 |
| Free throws | 24-27 | 12-19 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 25 |
| Assists | 27 | 22 |
| Steals | 11 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 46 |
| Fouls | 19 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 96 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter83-70Jalen Brunson makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter83-72James Harden makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter84-72Miles McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-72Miles McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-74Evan Mobley makes dunk (Sam Merrill assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-74Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-74Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-77Sam Merrill makes 25-foot jump bank shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-79James Harden makes turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter87-80James Harden makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter89-80Jalen Brunson makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter89-82Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (Max Strus assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-82Mitchell Robinson makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter94-82Josh Hart makes 24-foot three point jumper (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
- 4th Quarter96-82Mikal Bridges makes two point shot (Josh Hart assists)
- 4th Quarter96-85Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter96-86Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-86Landry Shamet makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter99-88Jarrett Allen makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter102-88Landry Shamet makes 26-foot three point jumper (Josh Hart assists)
- 4th Quarter102-91Max Strus makes 26-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter105-91Landry Shamet makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter107-91Jalen Brunson makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter107-93Evan Mobley makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-93OG Anunoby makes 25-foot three point jumper (Landry Shamet assists)
- 4th Quarter110-96Donovan Mitchell makes 28-foot running jump shot (Max Strus assists)
- 4th Quarter110-98Evan Mobley makes two point shot (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter111-98Landry Shamet makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-98Landry Shamet makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-100Evan Mobley makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter114-100Jalen Brunson makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter114-102Jarrett Allen makes dunk (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter116-102Mikal Bridges makes 11-foot floating jump shot (OG Anunoby assists)
- 4th Quarter118-102Jalen Brunson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter118-105Max Strus makes 25-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter118-106Max Strus makes free throw flagrant 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter119-106Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-108Evan Mobley makes driving layup (Max Strus assists)
- 4th Quarter120-108Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-108Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours New York Knicks.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJacyn Goble, Tony Brothers, Gediminas Petraitis, Tyler Ford
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