Cavs lose to Knicks 109-97 as Brunson and Towns combine for 60 points
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The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-97 at Rocket Arena, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combining for 60 points to secure the win. Although Cleveland started strongly by forcing three turnovers and limiting New York to 3-of-11 three-point shooting in the first quarter, Towns scored 14 points and recorded two dunks to keep the Knicks competitive.
Brunson took over with a 16-point stretch over five minutes, finishing the first half with 20 points as New York led 63-53 at the break.
The Knicks extended their advantage to an 18-point lead in the third quarter, exploiting Cleveland's defensive struggles against their screen-heavy offense. Donovan Mitchell posted a season-high 37 points for the Cavaliers, but Evan Mobley and James Harden combined for only 19 points.
The Cavs were missing Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill, yet the result highlighted a persistent difficulty Cleveland faces against New York's style of play.
