
A historic fourth-quarter comeback in Game 1 quickly shifted what the complexion of the Eastern Conference Finals could look like. In Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks only added to it as they inch closer to their first NBA Finals since 1999.
However, unlike Jalen Brunson's 38-point takeover in Game 1, it was Josh Hart who stepped up with a playoff career-high 26 points (10-of-21 FG, 5-of-11 3PT) and seven assists.
Even with Brunson relatively held in check with just 19 points (7-of-16 FG), Hart rose to the occasion and topped 20 points for the first time this postseason to help the Knicks put the Cavaliers in a hole they may not be able to recover from.
Hart officially set a playoff career-high on this shot that extended New York's lead to 14 with under five minutes to play.
Josh Hart's up to 26 PTS in Game 2
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2026
A new postseason career-high!
Knicks lead by 15 in Q4 pic.twitter.com/maMMhx5D0F
Hart was even instrumental in the Knicks' massive 18-0 third-quarter run, knocking down his fourth triple of the game to make it an 18-point lead.
18-0 KNICKS RUN
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2026
Josh Hart's up to 21 PTS (4 3PM)!
Knicks lead by 13 in Q3 of Game 2 pic.twitter.com/Ftno5bIEwv
What is even more impressive for Hart is the fact that he had the worst plus/minus (-23) in Game 1, only to respond with a playoff career-high and a plus/minus of +18, further making this series look like a runaway just two games in.
"I don't have an ego, that got burned out of my heart a long time ago," Hart told ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game when referring to his humility and embracing the role that he took on in the game.
"I don't have an ego, that got burned out of my heart a long time ago."
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2026
Josh Hart on humility and embracing his role after scoring a postseason career-high 26 PTS in New York's Game 2 win!
Knicks take a 2-0 series lead in the East Finals https://t.co/2r6obDOULM pic.twitter.com/H2NI0hjeRn
The Knicks have now won nine straight playoff games, becoming the 13th team in NBA history to accomplish the feat in the same playoffs (h/t The Athletic). Seven of the teams to previously do so won the title.
This was a Cavaliers team that led by 22 with just under eight minutes remaining in Game 1, only to shockingly crumble down the stretch and miss a game-winning attempt in the closing seconds that did everything but go in.
Despite the historic collapse, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert vowed that it "will soon be a distant memory." That was far from the case in Game 2, leaving the Cavs searching for more answers as they prepare to host Games 3-4.
To be fair, Brunson still left an impact in the game with 14 assists, the most by a Knicks player in a postseason game since Charlie Ward in 1998.
BRUNSON DROPPED 14 ASSISTS IN GAME 2!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2026
The most by a Knicks player in a postseason game since Charlie Ward in 1998
New York wins Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead in the East Finals pic.twitter.com/ooGUWeiDHD
Still, he was not as much of a factor shooting the ball and the Cavaliers could not find a way to steal one on the road despite the off night. Insert Hart, who kept the momentum rolling in "The Big Apple" and put together the type of performance the Knicks needed with their star experiencing a fairly quiet night.
This series is not over by any means with each of Cleveland's first two series going the distance. With that said, this Knicks team is totally different and looks ready to make quick work of the Cavaliers after Hart's heater of a night.
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