The New York Knicks not only left the Cleveland Cavaliers stunned with Tuesday's historic comeback but also left their own captain, Jalen Brunson, speechless. Asked to explain New York's 115-104 overtime victory in Game 1 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson admitted to ESPN: 'I don't have an answer for you.'
The Knicks trailed by 22 points with 7 minutes and 45 seconds remaining before embarking on a 44-11 run as the Cavaliers collapsed on both ends of the floor. While Brunson was too polite or disinterested to blame the opposition, Knicks coach Mike Brown was more direct. 'It's no secret, we were attacking James Harden,' Brown said.
Brown's statement effectively confirmed in the minds of fans that the former All-Star and MVP cost his team the game. 'The Knicks absolutely spammed James Harden in the 4th quarter and OT,' one fan wrote on X, adding: 'Completely relentless target coaching.'
By running pick and rolls down the stretch, the Knicks dictated Harden's defensive assignments, repeatedly forcing him onto New York's best ball handler and scorer, Jalen Brunson. According to the All-NBA Podcast, the Knicks targeted Harden 21 times in the fourth quarter and overtime, resulting in 1.6 points per possession on those plays.
'Knicks fans need to organize and make sure James Harden gets back to the hotel safe & sound,' popular NBA podcaster Rob Perez wrote on X. 'Send him room service, police escort to the arena, rename it Madison Square Harden for the next week.' Another X user described Harden as 'burnt toast,' a 15-year veteran with $411 million in career earnings.
One fan lamented that Harden did not foul out despite having five personal fouls, saying that 'would've helped the Cavs more.' Exacerbating the situation was Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson's refusal to change defensive strategies or substitute Harden out of the game. 'Fire Atkinson on the spot!!' one angry critic wrote on X. 'And the Cavs did nothing defensively other than needlessly switching Harden into isolation on all but about five of those screens,' another added. 'Absolute coaching malpractice.'
For his part, Atkinson defended Harden and insisted he never considered taking him out. 'No,' Atkinson said, 'he's been one of our best defenders in these playoffs. I trust him. Smart, great hands. Didn't think about that.' However, Harden also struggled offensively, missing 7 of 8 three-point attempts and recording more turnovers (six) than made field goals (five).
The feeling was different for Knicks fans, many of whom celebrated on Seventh Avenue, where champagne was seen being popped outside Madison Square Garden. 'I still can't believe what I witnessed last night at MSG. Feels like a dream,' podcaster and Knicks fan Ariel Helwani wrote on X. Another added: 'Lord help the city when the Knicks win a championship.' New York last won an NBA title in 1973 and has not reached the Finals since 1999.
