The New York Knicks faced another setback on March 7, 2026, suffering a 109-94 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This loss marks the continuation of their inconsistent performance following the 2026 NBA All-Star break, with the team posting a 2-2 record since resuming play. Despite the setback, the Knicks remain in a strong position for a playoff berth, tied with the Cavaliers at 37-22, which is the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in scoring, contributing 23 points, although his shooting performance was subpar at just 6-of-19, translating to a shooting percentage of 32%. Brunson has struggled with his shot recently, having recorded a 37% shooting rate in a previous victory against the Chicago Bulls, where he finished with 7-of-19 shooting.
The Knicks’ offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. They managed to shoot only 41% from the field, hitting 35 of their 86 attempts, and their three-point shooting was even less effective at 27%, converting just 10 of 37 attempts. Alongside Brunson, only three other players reached double figures in scoring. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, while Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Cleveland’s offense was led by Donovan Mitchell, who also scored 23 points, helping to secure the victory for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while James Harden, a key acquisition during the trade deadline, added 20 points to the scoring tally. The Cavaliers have been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten games, positioning them as one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference as the postseason approaches.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will conclude their short road trip with a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at 20:00. Following this matchup, they will return home for an afternoon contest against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, March 10, 2026, at 13:00 at Madison Square Garden.
As the playoffs draw near, the Knicks will need to address their scoring inconsistencies to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
