Jalen Brunson scores 31 to power Knicks past Cavs 109-97 in rematch of last year's Eastern finalists
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-97, led by Jalen Brunson's 31 points. The game served as a rematch of the previous season's Eastern Conference finalists.
Why it matters
This result impacts the early-season standings and narrative for two prominent NBA Eastern Conference contenders.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 31 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 and the New York Knicks made big plays when they needed them in a 109-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night in a rematch between last year's Eastern Conference finalists.
Brunson scored 18 straight in the second quarter to help the defending NBA champions take control. He added nine assists and drained a crucial jumper in the final three minutes as the Knicks held off Cleveland's comeback.
Donovan Mitchell scored 21 of his season-high 37 points in the fourth quarter for the Cavs, who handed Philadelphia its first road loss on Friday.
It was the first meeting between New York and Cleveland since last season's conference finals, which the Knicks swept. They blew out the Cavs by 37 in Game 4 on their Rocket Arena home floor.
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