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Live Updates: Cavs-Knicks Game 2 in MSG

Follow along with live updates from tonight's Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

NBA.com Staff

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 21: Karl-Anthony Towns led his team (NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks host Cleveland following a furious comeback victory in overtime of Game 1 in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals. Follow tonight’s NBA.com Live Blog for the latest news and highlights from Madison Square Garden as the Cavaliers hope to even the series.

Cavaliers @ Knicks (NYK leads 1-0) – Watch

9:39 PM ET / May 21

Cavs fall down by 18 before trimming lead

Josh Hart drilled a three to extend New York’s lead to 14, before getting fouled and splitting a pair of free throws. New York maintained possession leading to another Hart triple that put New York up by 18 points. Hart has a game-high 21 points.

Jarrett Allen delivered a timely, momentum-swinging block on Towns that led to points in transition. Allen finished a put-back tip on the next possession to prevent the game from getting out of hand. Cleveland trails 71-58 with 4:22 remaining in the third.

9:14 PM ET / May 21

Stalemate at halftime

New York holds a small lead at halftime, 53-49, but it doesn’t feel as though either team is in control after two quarters. Both teams have made six threes, but Cleveland has the advantage on free throw attempts.

The Knicks will need to control the boards better in the second half. Cleveland has nine offensive rebounds compared to just one for New York, as the Cavs are out-rebounding their opponents 24-18 altogether. However, the assist edge lies with the Knicks, who have nearly double the amount of helpers than Cleveland.

9:01 PM ET / May 21

Knicks take lead, Brunson held in check

New York is getting a balanced effort from its starting lineup, with the exception of Jalen Brunson who has just two points on 1-5 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns has been aggressive on his way to a double-double, as he leads the team in scoring with 13 points.

8:39 PM ET / May 21

Mitchell beats buzzer from deep ✅

Donovan Mitchell was scoreless for the first 11:59 of the game before finding his first points from three-point land. The basket lifted Cleveland to a 27-24 lead. Mitchell Robinson missed four free throw attempts in the final minutes of the frame, which could have given New York a lead going into the break.

Evan Mobley looks energized, as he’s driving to the rim with authority while also sinking two threes in the first quarter.

8:26 PM ET / May 21

Some hot shooting from beyond the arc helped Cleveland establish a 17-11 lead at the game’s first timeout.

8:17 PM ET / May 21

NY fast start neutralized

New York sank its first shot just seconds after the opening tip. Mikal Bridges then stole the inbounds pass, leading to a Knicks three that marked a 5-0 start in less than a minute.

Evan Mobley drilled a triple to get Cleveland on the board, as Cleveland quickly tied the game five apiece. Since New York’s opening blitz, the Cavaliers have calmed the storm as both teams settle into their offenses.

8:12 PM ET / May 21

Starting lineups ✋

The Cavaliers are swapping out Max Strus for Dean Wade tonight. Strus made just his second start of the postseason in the series opener, while Wade has started all other contests for the Cavs this postseason. Wade also handled many possessions in the previous game as the primary defender on Jalen Brunson.

New York, meanwhile is going with its trusted five of Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby and Towns.

8:05 PM ET / May 21

Game 1 comeback revisited ⏮

As tonight’s contest prepares to tip off, rewind to Game 1 of the series where the Knicks erased a 22 point lead in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter. Cleveland will be out to avenge the loss, after failing to steal home-court advantage in the defeat.

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