New York Knicks oust Cavs for 1st playoff series win since '13 - ESPN

CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks are headed to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in 10 years after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 on Wednesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series.

As was the case throughout the series, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson led the way for a hungry young team that had control of the game all night. Brunson scored 23 points to go with four assists and four rebounds and repeatedly made big plays when the Knicks needed one.

After shooting a combined 6-for-25 from the field in Games 1 and 2 in Cleveland, Knicks swingman RJ Barrett had another big performance, scoring 21 points to provide a needed lift for Tom Thibodeau's team.

As the series rolled on, it became clear the Knicks were not only a deeper team, but a group that played with the kind of defensive edge that has defined some of the best teams in Thibodeau's career.

Playing in his first playoff series, Knicks swingman Josh Hart made a huge difference off the bench throughout the last week and a half, making a series of winning plays that helped close out games. Hart chipped in with 12 more rebounds in Game 5 and was a key cog in the Knicks being able to slow down Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs' offense.

Mitchell Robinson, who had 13 points and 18 rebounds in Game 5, was a force down low against the Cavs. The Knicks outrebounded the Cavs 48-30 on Wednesday and were the more physical team throughout the series. Knicks forward Obi Toppin chipped in 12 points and had several key stretches in the series. Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley added 17 points, bouncing back after a very slow offensive start to the series.

That the Knicks were able to close out the series without All-Star forward Julius Randle made Wednesday's