NBA Play-offs: New York eliminates Cleveland and returns to Finals play

Mission accomplished. New York swept Cleveland in Game 4 (130-93 the final), ending the series, valid for the Eastern Conference Finals, with a dry 4-0. New York thus advances to the NBA Finals for the first time since back in 1999. Brunson (“only” 15 points in Game 4) was named MVP of the series after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists.

This will be the Knicks’ third Finals appearance since they won the NBA title in 1973. They then lost in seven games to Houston in 1994 and in five to San Antonio in 1999.

“Our guys played great. You’re in the conference finals and you score 65 points off offensive rebounds and counter-rebounds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that at this point in the season. We wanted to impose our pace,” Coach Mike Brown’s words reported by ESPN.

New York will face either the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the finals. The Western Conference series is tied at 2-2, with Game 5 to be played in Oklahoma City.