OG Anunoby returned with momentum in Game 3, scoring 21 points as the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 to take a 3-0 lead and move one win from the NBA Finals. After returning from a right hamstring strain, Anunoby told fans he’s feeling be
Rocket Arena felt like it belonged to the Knicks again the way Game 3 finished—121-108, no lead surrendered, and a series that suddenly looks like it can’t miss. Saturday night gave New York something it hasn’t had to wait for in years: a chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
The swing factor wasn’t just the scoreboard. It was OG Anunoby. After missing the final two games of the conference semifinals with a right hamstring strain. Anunoby delivered his best showing since returning. and it arrived right when the Knicks needed it most. He finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.
After the win, Anunoby told fans his progress has been steady—every day. “Each day I started feeling better and better,” he said. “We have a great medical staff. Getting stronger each day. Great team, great coaches. It’s been very collaborative.”
Anunoby also pointed to a confidence that only comes when the body responds the way it’s supposed to. He admitted he has steadily regained confidence physically, saying his hamstring recovery has been building in small steps since the setback.
Cleveland saw flashes early in the series—Anunoby showed up in Games 1 and 2 after the injury. including six overtime points in Game 1. In Game 2, he shot efficiently, going 5-for-8. But Game 3 was the first time he resembled the level of the player who had excelled earlier in the postseason before the hamstring strain.
Before the injury, Anunoby was averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game in the playoffs while shooting 53.8 percent from three-point range on 4.9 attempts per game. On the court, New York also outscored opponents by 20 points per 100 possessions with him.
Against the Cavaliers. the Knicks built their control the way contenders do—balanced scoring. relentless pace. and a defensive edge that never let the game settle into Cleveland’s rhythm. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points. Mikal Bridges added 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
New York never trailed. And the style of the win mattered: it improved to five straight road playoff wins by at least 10 points, tying an NBA record. The result also pushed the Knicks’ playoff winning streak to 10 games.
At 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, New York now has a clear target. The Knicks will attempt to complete the sweep Monday night and clinch their first Finals berth in 27 years.
New York Knicks OG Anunoby Cleveland Cavaliers Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 hamstring recovery NBA playoffs Jalen Brunson Mikal Bridges Karl-Anthony Towns