'For the first time in 27 years,' NBA new history: New York Knicks reach Finals... Brunson unanimous MVP

*This content was translated by AI.

'It is a new history for the first time in 27 years.' The New York Knicks step onto the NBA Finals stage.

'On the 26th (Korea time), the New York Knicks defeated Cleveland 130-93, a 37-point margin, in an away game of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

'With this victory, New York achieved a series sweep with four wins and no losses, securing their first NBA Finals berth since 1999.

'Immediately after the game began, Cleveland showed strength. Donovan Mitchell led the team's first eight points, taking an 8-2 lead, and Evan Mobley's putback dunk extended their advantage to 17-14.

'However, New York quickly turned the tide with nine consecutive points. When Cleveland narrowed the gap to 26-30 on Mitchell's floater with 2 minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the first quarter, New York went on a 20-0 run over the next five minutes, completely reversing the flow.

'Following this, New York's bench players contributed 15 points, including two three-pointers by Landry Shamet. In contrast, Cleveland missed all nine field goal attempts and committed four turnovers, collapsing completely. New York built a lead as large as 29 points in the first half alone, ending the first half with a 68-49 score. By then, four players had already scored in double figures, including Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

'There was no reversal in the second half either. New York extended their lead to as much as 45 points. Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson removed all starters with about eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to conclude the game.

'With 7 minutes and 47 seconds left and a 35-point lead, New York fans filling the away arena repeatedly chanted "Nicks in Four."

'New York's Towns secured the paint with 19 points and 14 rebounds, OG Anunoby scored 17 points, and Shamet added 16 points off the bench. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each contributed 15 points.

'Especially, captain Brunson, who led the dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Game 1 and shifted the series momentum, recorded an average of 25.5 points, 7.8 assists, and a 49% field goal percentage over the four Conference Finals games, showcasing flawless leadership with zero turnovers, and was unanimously named Eastern Conference Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player) Jang Il-chi-ro (수상).

'According to "ESPN," New York head coach Mike Brown expressed satisfaction in a post-game press conference, saying, "The players played a truly excellent game," and added, "On the Conference Finals stage, they scored 65 points just through offensive rebounds and fast breaks."

'He continued, "It is truly rare to see such numbers at this time," and noted, "New York wanted to push the game tempo decisively."

'Aiming for their third Finals title overall (after 1994 and 1999) since their last championship in 1973, New York will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are currently tied 2-2. The Western Conference winner with the better regular-season record will hold home-court advantage.

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*This content was translated by AI.