The New York Knicks have advanced to their first NBA Finals since 1999, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals with a 130-93 Game 4 victory on May 25, 2026. The Knicks will now await the winner of the Western Conference finals between Oklahoma City and San Antonio, with Game 1 of the NBA Finals set for June 3.

Dominant Playoff Run

This is one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, with the Knicks winning 11 consecutive games by an average margin of 23.8 points. Only five lead changes occurred in the Game 4 clincher, and the last came with six minutes remaining in the first quarter, though the Knicks made 19 three-pointers compared to Cleveland’s 11, with Landry Shamet going a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc off the bench.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 19 points and 14 rebounds; Jalen Brunson added 15 points and zero turnovers in the game — the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavaliers means they will have time to rest ahead of the Finals, as the Western Conference finals are tied 2-2.

Historic Context and Milestones

This marks the first time since 1999 that the Knicks have reached the Finals. From 2001 to 2024, the team won just three playoff series combined. The Knicks are now one of five teams in NBA history to win 11 or more consecutive games in a single postseason, joining the 2017 Warriors, 2001 Lakers, 1999 Spurs, and 1989 Lakers. Jalen Brunson was named the Most Valuable Player of the Eastern Conference finals, averaging 25.5 points in the series.

Mike Brown, the Knicks’ coach, praised the team’s collective effort: “It’s the players… they’re just great, great human beings, and they’re obviously great basketball players. Every single one of the guys on the team has sacrificed. Every single one of the guys on the team has competitive spirit.”

Path to the Finals

The Knicks’ road to the finals was not without its challenges. In the regular season, they faced the Cavaliers in three games, with Cleveland taking one after acquiring James Harden in February. But in the playoffs, the Knicks proved to be the superior team, with seven of their eight playoff wins coming by double figures and four by 29 points or more. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, needed seven games to eliminate both the Toronto Raptors and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

With the Boston Celtics losing key players like Jayson Tatum to injury, many expected the Knicks and Cavs to dominate the conference. Instead, both teams finished third and fourth in the standings but still found their way to the conference finals. The Knicks will now aim to win their first NBA title since 1973.