Even though New York had more big names than Cleveland in this series, it was the little things that decided the sweep.
In Game 4 on May 25, New York won 130-93 to seal the series, those little things showed up most clearly in the minutes from Josh Hart and Miles McBride.
Hart put up six points, 11 boards, six assists and a couple of steals. McBride finished with 11 points, three steals, no turnovers and a game-high +25 in under 17 minutes. That kind of production is more typical of role players until it starts to flip possession stats.
The Knicks wrapped up Game 4 with a huge advantage: +27 (32-5) in second-chance points and +24 (33-9) in fast-break points.
A total swing of +51 across two categories that often decide playoff games between closely matched teams. No single player is solely responsible for those kinds of margins, but both players played key roles within them.
Josh Hart continued to extend the possessions that Cleveland badly needed to end
While Hart finished with four offensive rebounds in the clincher, that number probably says more about his impact than any scoring total could.
Cleveland was already having trouble slowing New York down in half-court situations, and every extra rebound forced them to defend another full sequence without a break.
Throughout the series, he regularly punished Cleveland with quick transition plays, turning defensive rebounds into instant fast breaks before the Cavaliers could set up defensively.
Over time, that tempo wore Cleveland down. The Cavs just couldn’t keep up. And Josh Hart played a significant role in driving that point home.
He was asked instead to maintain New York’s edge by keeping possession alive after missed shots, loose balls and long rebounds.
McBride was a steadying presence off the bench in Game 4
He shot 4-for-6 overall, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and didn’t turn the ball over once. That is exactly what coaches want to see from their second unit when it matters most.
He provided spacing, stayed locked in defensively, and made sure every possession counted. McBride’s ability to pressure the ball has become a key part of New York’s playoff rotation, giving them energy without losing control of their shape.
His three steals stood out because Cleveland struggled all game to find any real flow on offence. The Knicks kept running off Cleveland mistakes, turning them into quick baskets or open threes at the other end. That’s how games get away from you before halftime even hits.
The Knicks handled the margins before their stars closed out the series
In the end, it was still New York’s top talent that decided the outcome. Jalen Brunson ran the show, Karl-Anthony Towns took control inside, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges gave them an edge everywhere else.
But Cleveland lost this series in all the moments that don’t show up in highlights — in missed boxouts, turnovers, and transitions they couldn’t stop.
Tom Thibodeau highlighted those details after Game 4. He praised his team’s work on offensive boards, loose balls, and transition defence. Those are exactly where New York pulled away from Cleveland.
By the time New York went on their decisive 20-0 run in Game 4, Cleveland was already behind where it mattered most.
This wasn’t just about trying to keep up with Brunson or Towns. The Cavaliers were falling short across the board: rebounds, transition play, second-chance points – even bench minutes without turnovers – all areas that swing playoff games.
The stars led from above. Hart and McBride helped take care of everything underneath.
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