Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers are facing the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on ESPN.
Enjoy the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news and highlights from Tuesday’s action.
Tonight’s action features the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, coming to you live from Madison Square Garden on ESPN.
What we know about Tuesday’s game:
- The team that wins Game 1 of the Conference Finals has gone on to win the series 78.2% of the time in NBA history.
- The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 4-1 in the first round of the 2023 Eastern Conference Playoffs.
- New York is 12-2 all-time against Cleveland in the Playoffs.
MAY 19, 2026 / 9:40 ET
Cavs take largest lead
63-54 with 7:08 to go in the third quarter, as Donovan Mitchell (22 pts, 6 stl) gets a steal and goes coast-to-coast for a layup.
The Knicks were harassing the Cavs early, but they’ve found their flow on the road. They’re gashing them with easy buckets to start the quarter.
MAY 19, 2026 / 9:15 ET
Cavaliers up 48-46 at the half
Donovan Mitchell (16 pts on 9 shots) scored seven points in the last 2:01 as part of a 21-8 run that earned the Cavs a lead at the break.
Spida gives Cleveland the lead 👏
He’s got 16 PTS at the break!
Cavs lead by 2 in Game 1 🍿 pic.twitter.com/LN5KmMiC7e
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2026
The Knicks are have a 32-16 lead in points in the paint and an 11-7 turnover advantage, but the Cavaliers found their touch from 3-point range, hitting 8-of-21 (38.1%).
Jalen Brunson (14 pts) leads the way for the Knicks, who are 2-of-19 (10.5%) from 3-point range.
MAY 19, 2026 / 9:00 ET
Cavaliers on an 8-0 run
38-35 Knicks with 4:25 to go in the second quarter, as Sam Merrill (6 pts) and James Harden (7 pts) hit back-to-back 3-pointers for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland may be settling in on the road here.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:48 ET
Hart on the attack
Josh Hart (6 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast) has given the Knicks a spark so far, as they take a 31-22 lead with 8:23 remaining in the half.
Former Cavalier Jordan Clarkson also gave New York a boost, making his first 3-pointer of the Playoffs and earning a team-high +12 mark.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:41 ET
Knicks up 23-16 after one
Jalen Brunson (10 pts) is getting buckets early, while the Knicks defense held the Cavs to 27.3% shooting in the first quarter.
the burner is lit.
8 PTS and counting for 11 🔥 pic.twitter.com/We4wWPz2dJ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026
Donovan Mitchell (7 pts) was slowed by Miles McBride, who derailed his momentum in the latter half of the period after subbing in.
New York’s picked up an early 14-8 advantage in points in the paint.
“The Cavaliers look rusty after a Game 7, but it’s the Knicks’ defense that’s pressuring them,” said Richard Jefferson.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:37 ET
New York hustle
The Knicks are on a 12-0 run, taking a 20-13 lead with 1:35 to go in the quarter.
Cleveland has five turnovers so far, as New York’s pressuring defense makes an impact..
“If you’re a Cavs fan, this is somewhat characteristic of their postseason,” said Richard Jefferson.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:31 ET
Knicks rally back
14-13 New York with 3:46 to go in the first quarter. Jalen Brunson (8 pts) has gotten loose for the Knicks, sparking the comeback.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:25 ET
Cavaliers up to begin
10-4 Cleveland with 6:42 to go in the first quarter, as the Cavs’ defense controls the early minutes.
Donovan Mitchell (7 pts) is out of the gates quickly.
MAY 19, 2026 / 8:15 ET
Early reads
James Harden starts the game on Jalen Brunson, while Mikal Bridges starts the game on Harden. On the second possession, Hart picks up Harden, and Dean Wade checks Brunson.
Both of these teams are flexible defensively — keep an eye on the matchups.
MAY 19, 2026 / 7:15 ET
Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks are facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on ESPN.
Cleveland:
- PG James Harden
- Can Harden find a way to attack the Knicks in the paint? OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges all have the size to slow him, but Karl-Anthony Towns is a limited rim protector..
- SG Donovan Mitchell
- The New York native is in the spotlight, coming off one of the best games of his career in Game 7 against the Pistons. He’s averaging 25.6 ppg in this Playoffs — just under his career average against the Knicks (25.7 ppg).
- SF Max Strus
- Strus was crucial for the Cavaliers as they defeated the Pistons. His shooting and size are unique among their wing options.
- PF Evan Mobley
- Mobley held Karl-Anthony Towns to 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting this season.
- C Jarrett Allen
- Will Allen be able to roam off Josh Hart? If he can float in the paint, he’ll have a chance to disrupt the Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll.
New York:
- PG Jalen Brunson
- Brunson has been at his best in this Playoff run, averaging 27.0 ppg on 48.5/40.9/86.1 shooting. Who will guard him for the Cavs?
- SG Josh Hart
- Hart was a net-negative in each of the Knicks’ games against the Cavs this season. This might be a series for Miles McBride to chase Donovan Mitchell.
- SF Mikal Bridges
- Will Bridges get on the glass in this series? His length might be necessary against the Cavs’ front court of Mobley and Allen.
- PF OG Anunoby
- Will OG or Mobley win the battle of the power forwards? OG is 8-6 career against Mobley, averaging 15.3 ppg to Evan’s 15.4 ppg in those games.
- C Karl-Anthony Towns
- Towns maxed out at two assists against the Cavs this season, but is averaging 6.6 so far in this Playoff run. Will the KAT’s vision remain sharp in this series?
MAY 19, 2026 / 7:00 ET
Tuesday’s injury report
OG Anunoby is probable for the Knicks, while Larry Nance Jr. is questionable for the Cavaliers.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s contest against the Thunder.
