The New York Knicks continued to target James Harden on defense during the team’s 109-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night.
After the Knicks attacked Harden defensively while coming back from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter of Game 1, they continued to do so in the second matchup of the series.
Harden finished with 18 points and six rebounds, but shot just 6-of-15 from the field. Cleveland was also outscored by 22 points in his 32 minutes on the floor.
Jalen Brunson scored 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting for New York, dishing out a game-high 14 assists compared to a mere three turnovers.
Cavs star Donovan Mitchell put together an efficient performance in the defeat, ending the game with 26 points and four rebounds while shooting 8-of-18 on field goals.
The first half of the game was a hard-fought battle, as neither team held a double-digit lead at any point throughout the first two quarters.
New York led 53-49 at halftime.
While the Cavs tied the game at 53 early in the third quarter, the Knicks immediately responded with an 18-0 run to gain some separation.
New York kept Cleveland at bay for the remainder of the contest, holding on for the win.
Josh Hart stepped up for the Knicks in the contest, racking up a playoff career-high 26 points to go along with seven assists and four rebounds. Hart shot 10-of-21 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three.
Karl-Anthony Towns also recorded a double-double for New York, scoring 18 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
The Knicks now hold a 2-0 series lead.
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