Overview
- The win moved Cleveland to 37-22, tying New York for third in the East, with the Knicks holding the head-to-head tiebreaker after taking two of three.
- Cleveland seized control in the third quarter, outscoring New York 23-11 while holding the Knicks to 3-of-24 shooting and 1-of-12 from three.
- Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points, James Harden added 20, and Jarrett Allen delivered 19 points and 10 rebounds as all five Cavs starters reached double figures.
- Harden, now 6-1 with Cleveland following the deadline trade, said the group is "working to build something special," highlighting early chemistry with Mitchell.
- Rotation notes included Cavaliers guard Max Strus remaining out with a foot injury and Knicks guard Miles McBride sidelined after core surgery, and both teams head to road games in Milwaukee next.