Darius Garland delivered a season-high 34 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 110-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night. Cleveland improved to 4-0, marking the franchise’s best season start since the 2016 NBA championship defense campaign.
Donovan Mitchell added 25 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half. Evan Mobley also made a strong showing with 17 points and eight rebounds, showcasing Cleveland’s balanced scoring.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points and seven assists, but New York couldn’t sustain its early lead as Garland’s three-pointers shifted momentum in the fourth quarter. Mikal Bridges scored 19, and Josh Hart recorded 16 points with 13 rebounds, but the Knicks fell to 1-2 on the season.
Garland was pivotal in the closing minutes, making three of his five three-point attempts in the fourth quarter to turn the tide in Cleveland’s favor. His late-game accuracy erased New York’s final lead and extended Cleveland’s advantage to eight points, sealing the game.
Despite their strong start, the Knicks were hampered by Brunson’s shooting struggles, as the guard went 8-for-24 from the field. Brunson briefly exited in the third quarter with an apparent ankle issue but returned to finish the game.
