Knicks Dominate Cavaliers in NBA Playoff Matchup
Monday, May 25, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
New York Knicks 130, Cleveland Cavaliers 93, 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 130-93 at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive playoff matchup, the New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 at Rocket Arena, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. This victory not only secured the series for the Knicks, who now lead 2-1, but also highlighted the Cavaliers' struggles against their rivals this season.
The Knicks entered the game with a strong away record of 53-29, while the Cavaliers had a home record of 52-30. Recent form for the Cavaliers showed them winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed. They were on a one-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Washington Wizards 130-117. 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, but were coming off a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
At home, the Cavaliers had a record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Knicks had a 2-3 record in their last five away games. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as the Knicks had won two of their previous three meetings against the Cavaliers this season, including a close 126-124 victory on December 25, 2025, and a 119-111 win on October 22, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks faced uncertainty with Mohamed Diawara and Jalen Brunson both listed as day-to-day due to finger and wrist injuries, respectively. Their absence could have impacted the Knicks' performance, but they managed to secure a comprehensive win regardless.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Knicks favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 218.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Knicks' performance exceeded expectations.
Conditions at Rocket Arena were conducive to a high-scoring game, and the Knicks took full advantage. They established control early, maintaining a significant lead throughout the contest. The Cavaliers struggled to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where the Knicks pulled away decisively.
Key moments included Tyler Kolek's impressive 28-foot three-pointer in the fourth quarter and a series of successful plays from Keon Ellis, who contributed significantly to the Knicks' scoring in the closing minutes. The final scoring plays saw the Knicks extend their lead further, culminating in a 130-93 victory that left no doubt about their superiority in this matchup.
Overall, this game underscored the Knicks' capability to perform under pressure, while the Cavaliers will need to reassess their strategy as they look to bounce back in the series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -2.5 | 218.5 o -112 / u -108 | New York Knicks -135 · Cleveland Cavaliers +114 |
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell31Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsEvan Mobley4Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley7Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsKarl-Anthony Towns19New York Knicks
- AssistsJosh Hart6New York Knicks
- ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns14New 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 | 48-98 | 32-77 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 19-43 | 11-40 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 28 |
| Free throws | 15-20 | 18-22 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 60 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 20 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 40 | 27 |
| Assists | 33 | 21 |
| Steals | 15 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 22 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 34 |
| Fast-break points | 33 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 45 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 88 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter84-59Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter87-59Jalen Brunson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-59Landry Shamet makes 1-foot driving dunk (Miles McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-61Sam Merrill makes 9-foot pullup jump shot (Evan Mobley assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-63Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (Jaylon Tyson assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-63Mitchell Robinson makes dunk (Landry Shamet assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-65Evan Mobley makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter94-65Landry Shamet makes 26-foot three point jumper (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-67Jaylon Tyson makes two point shot (Dean Wade assists)
- 3rd Quarter96-67Jalen Brunson makes 14-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter96-69Evan Mobley makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jaylon Tyson assists)
- 3rd Quarter97-69Mikal Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-69Mikal Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-71Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter100-71Karl-Anthony Towns makes driving layup (Miles McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter100-72Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-72Miles McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter103-74Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot dunk (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter105-74Karl-Anthony Towns makes driving layup (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter105-76Donovan Mitchell makes 17-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter106-76OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-76OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-76OG Anunoby makes 2-foot running dunk (Landry Shamet assists)
- 4th Quarter111-76Miles McBride makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter114-76Jordan Clarkson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ariel Hukporti assists)
- 4th Quarter115-76Pacome Dadiet makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-76Pacome Dadiet makes 6-foot two point shot (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter117-78Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes layup (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter120-78Tyler Kolek makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mohamed Diawara assists)
- 4th Quarter123-78Pacome Dadiet makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mohamed Diawara assists)
- 4th Quarter123-81Thomas Bryant makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nae'Qwan Tomlin assists)
- 4th Quarter123-83Thomas Bryant makes driving layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter126-83Tyler Kolek makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter126-86Keon Ellis makes 26-foot running jump shot (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter126-87Keon Ellis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-88Keon Ellis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-88Ariel Hukporti makes dunk
- 4th Quarter128-90Thomas Bryant makes driving layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter130-90Tyler Kolek makes 15-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter130-93Thomas Bryant makes 24-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours New York Knicks.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Jacyn Goble, Marc Davis, Kevin Scott
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