Julius Randle returns, and Knicks hold off Cavaliers in thrilling Game 1 finish

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The fifth-seeded New York Knicks had their fair share of injuries throughout the 2022-23 regular season. But the team finally received some good news on the injury front ahead of Saturday's playoff game against the Cavaliers. 

Julius Randle, who had been dealing with a left ankle sprain, returned to the lineup Saturday after missing more than two weeks of action. He played 34 minutes and finished with 19 points.

Jalen Brunson shook off foul trouble to score a team-high 27 points, and he and Randle lifted the Knicks to a 101-97 Game 1 victory over the Cavs in the first round.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The New York Knicks' Obi Toppin (1) high-fives Jalen Brunson (11) against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs April 15, 2023, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. (David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Josh Hart, who the Knicks acquired prior to this year's trade deadline, registered 17 points and 10 rebounds in the first postseason game of his career.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell sparked a late rally, but Brunson hit several big shots down the stretch to end the Cavs' comeback hopes.

HAWKS' LATE RALLY FALLS SHORT AGAINST CELTICS; BOSTON TAKES 1-0 SERIES LEAD

The Cavs were within two points of the Knicks in the game's final seconds when Brunson missed a shot. But Randle grabbed his 10th rebound of the night and passed to Quentin Grimes, who was fouled with just four seconds left.

Isaiah Hartenstein (55) of the New York Knicks boxes out during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs April 15, 2023, at Rocket