Darius Garland delivered a standout performance with a season-high 34 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, as the Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the New York Knicks 110-104 on Monday night, improving their record to 4-0.
In addition to Garland’s impressive scoring, Donovan Mitchell contributed 25 points, Evan Mobley added 17, and Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. This marks the Cavaliers’ best start since they began their 2016 NBA title defense with a 6-0 record.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 21 points and seven assists. Despite a strong start and leading by 13 in the second half, the Knicks, now 1-2, struggled to maintain their edge. Mikal Bridges chipped in 19 points, while Josh Hart had 16 points and 13 rebounds. OG Anunoby added 15 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.
Cavaliers’ coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged that while the team had an easier schedule to start the season against Toronto, Detroit, and Washington, they successfully managed their first real challenge. However, the Cavaliers did not reach their offensive average of 128 points during this match.
Despite Brunson’s rough night shooting just 8 of 24 before leaving the game due to an ankle injury in the third quarter, the Knicks still possess enough talent to mitigate off nights.
A notable moment in the game occurred when Mobley rebounded a missed shot from the Knicks at the end of the first quarter and passed to Mitchell, who launched a one-handed shot from nearly 85 feet, though it did not count as time had expired.
Garland was crucial in the fourth quarter, hitting three of five three-pointers, including one that erased the Knicks’ final lead, followed by two consecutive shots that extended the Cavaliers’ lead to eight points.
Next, the Cavaliers will host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, while the Knicks will embark on a four-game road trip starting with a match against Miami.