Knicks Hold Off Cavaliers 109-97

Jalen Brunson's 18-point second quarter helped New York win its fifth game in six after an 0-3 start.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball

The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-97 on Saturday in Cleveland. Jalen Brunson scored 31 points for New York, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and 13 rebounds.

Why it matters

The win extends New York's recent run of success after a rocky start to the season. It also shows the Knicks getting production from their top scorers even while shooting 42.7 percent from the field.

New York shot 42.7 percent from the field yet scored 26 second-chance points off 16 offensive rebounds. Donovan Mitchell's 37 points led all scorers for Cleveland, which was missing center Jarrett Allen.

The players

Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson is a New York Knicks guard who scored 31 points in the win.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns is a New York Knicks center who scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is a Cleveland Cavaliers guard who scored 37 points in the loss.

The details

Brunson scored 18 of his points in the second quarter, breaking open a close game. Towns also contributed six rebounds and nine assists for the Knicks in the win over Cleveland.

Saturday: Knicks defeat Cavaliers 109-97 in Cleveland

Season Trajectory

New York won its fifth game in six after opening the season 0-3, a turnaround that changes its early-season standing. The result also matters for Cleveland, which dropped this game despite Donovan Mitchell's 37-point performance.

The Knicks' recent wins shift the standings race in the Eastern Conference. Fantasy managers tracking Towns and Brunson can expect continued scoring output as New York builds momentum.

The takeaway

New York's ability to win games despite a poor shooting night shows its depth can carry it when shots are not falling. Watching how the Knicks handle second-chance opportunities will reveal how sustainable this run may be.