Brunson leads the Knicks past Cavaliers 101-97 to take Game 1 of the series!

The Knicks kicked off the playoffs with a thriller 101-97 victory over the Cavaliers in a game that saw Jalen Brunson shine with 27 points.

The Knicks had a late scare, but Julius Randle made a key play to save a missed layup and pass it to Quentin Grimes, who sealed the win with two free throws with just 4.3 seconds left on the clock.

Josh Hart was impressive off the bench, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds in his first playoff game for the Knicks. His three-pointer with 1:49 left to play gave the Knicks the lead back at 95-93.

The Knicks led by as many as 12 points late in the third quarter before allowing the Cavs to go on a 9-0 run to take their first lead since the first quarter.

Randle, who missed the Knicks’ last five games, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and his presence was felt throughout the game.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell torched the Knicks with 38 points and inspired the Cavs’ comeback in the fourth quarter. Darius Garland scored 17, and Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the home team.

Although the Knicks won, they struggled with their shooting, with RJ Barrett only managing seven points on 2-12 shooting, and Immanuel Quickley going 0-5 from the field.

Obi Toppin finished with nine points, and his 22-foot three-point jumper gave the Knicks a 70-62 lead late in the third quarter.

The Knicks won the season series against the Cavs 3-1, and they have never lost a playoff series against them, having swept them in 1978, won 3-1 in 1995, and swept them again 3-0 in 1996.

Up-next: Game 2 of the series will follow on Tuesday from 7:30pm.