Mike Brown singled out Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby after the Knicks’ Game 3 win over the Cavaliers, citing how both players imposed their will. New York defended home court in Games 1 and 2, then finished the job in Cleveland, closing in on a sweep with Jalen
For the Knicks, Game 3 wasn’t just another win—it was proof they could do it away from home, too. New York pushed past the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night in the Eastern Conference Finals. then left Mike Brown with a very specific message for two of the team’s key perimeter pieces: Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Brown praised their performances after the victory, explaining that the plan wasn’t only about set play-calls. He told Bridges and Anunoby they needed to find ways to take control on their own.
“I told him and OG, because I don’t call a ton of play-calls, you guys got to find different ways to impose your will on the game. They’re both doing a phenomenal job of imposing their will on the game,” Brown said.
The numbers backed up the confidence. Bridges finished with 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Anunoby added 21 points and seven rebounds, helping New York stay locked in when Cleveland threatened to flip the series momentum.
It also wasn’t just defense and effort—it was shooting and finishing at the line. The Knicks made 39% of their shots from downtown and converted 24 free throws. The Cavaliers struggled from long range, hitting only 29% of their 3-point attempts, and they managed just 12 shots at the free-throw line.
Six players reached double digits for New York, and the scoring load didn’t hinge on one name. Jalen Brunson led the way with 30 points, six assists, three rebounds, and one steal. Landry Shamet contributed 14 points and three assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted 13 points and eight rebounds.
New York had done its part early in the series by defending home court in the first two games. winning Games 1 and 2 in historic and convincing fashion. The challenge in Game 3 was different—Cleveland was hoping home territory could swing the series. Instead, the Knicks answered with a complete performance that made the next step feel close.
Bridges and Anunoby now sit at the center of that closing argument. With one win separating New York from the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers will get another chance to respond in Game 4.
That matchup is set for May 25 at 8 p.m. ET, and New York will be looking to complete the sweep on the road as the Eastern Conference Finals move toward its next finish line.
Mike Brown Mikal Bridges OG Anunoby New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Eastern Conference Finals Jalen Brunson Karl-Anthony Towns Landry Shamet NBA Finals
So basically they just wanted Bridges and OG to “impose their will”?? Love the vibes but idk what that even means.
Cavs choking again from 3, shocking /s. 29% is wild. Knicks really just came in and stole momentum like that.
I don’t think it’s about ‘will’ lol. Isn’t Mike Brown the coach that always talks big and then the refs decide everything? If Cleveland didn’t get the foul calls they would’ve won.
Bridges 22 and Anunoby 21, that’s insane. But also I’m like… did Brunson really have 30? feels fake because I swear I saw some other stat somewhere that said he had like 18. Anyway if they win Game 4 on the road that’s a wrap, right? May 25 is gonna be stressful.