Knicks bounce back to take game 3 with crushing 99-79 W at MSG

The Knicks returned home to Madison Square Garden with a vengeance, holding the Cavaliers to the lowest point total of the season in a dominating 99-79 win in game 3 of the playoffs.

The Knicks came out with a 90’s-style defense, limiting the Cavs’ scoring opportunities and taking control of the game from the beginning. Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, while RJ Barrett broke out of his shooting slump to score 19 points on an impressive 8-12 shooting.

“As a basketball player you kind of grow up thinking about moments like these. It was electric in there and happy we get to come back Sunday.”

– RJ Barrett

The Knicks outscored the Cavs 28-15 in the second quarter, and the Garden went wild when Brunson stole the ball from Donovan Mitchell and finished with a rare dunk to make it 39-27 late in the second quarter.

The Knicks bench also played a huge role, outscoring the Cavs bench 39-14. Josh Hart contributed 13 points, Immanuel Quickley added 11, Obi Toppin scored 8, and Isaiah Hartenstein finished with 7 buckets.

The Knicks held a comfortable lead throughout the game, with their largest lead being 97-70 with just 3 minutes left in the game. The Garden crowd went wild when coach Thibodeau inserted Derrick Rose into the game, and he assisted Toppin for the final Knicks bucket.

However, there was some bad news for the Knicks as Quentin Grimes left the game before halftime and did not return.

For the Cavs, Mitchell scored 22 points, Caris LeVert added 17, and Darius Garland and Evan Mobley each had 10.

The Knicks now take a 2-1 lead in the series, and with the way they played tonight, they will be looking to keep the momentum going as they head into game 4.

Up-next: Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm