Jalen Brunson Marks Assists Milestone in Game 2 Win vs. Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks took a major step toward their goal of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. This is after the Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, 109-93, to take a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brunson led the way for New York with a huge 19-point, 14-assist double-double. The three-time All-Star added three rebounds and one triple in 40 minutes of action.
It was Brunson's playmaking that took center stage in Game 2. In fact, the 6-foot-2 guard marked a new assists milestone for the Knicks on Thursday night.
The NBA took to social media to announce Brunson's incredible feat.
"BRUNSON DROPPED 14 ASSISTS IN GAME 2! The most by a Knicks player in a postseason game since Charlie Ward in 1998 " the league posted on X.
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
Brunson just broke a nearly three-decade-old Knicks record in Game 2. He struggled with his shot in this one, going 7-of-16 overall and just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. However, the fact that Brunson was still able to significantly impact the game through his playmaking speaks volumes about just how good he is on the court.
This series will now shift to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. Brunson and Co. have the advantage, but the Cavs are far from done. However, if the Knicks steal at least one game in Cleveland, it would put them in a great position to advance to the NBA Finals.
Game 3 from Rocket Arena is on Saturday, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Knicks Legend Issues Apology for His Actions During Cavaliers Game
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 8:21 PM.