The New York Knicks secured the East’s third seed despite blowing a 23-point lead in a 108-102 loss to Cleveland.
Indiana’s defeat elsewhere locked New York into third place and confirmed a first-round series against Detroit.
Knicks hit ten early three-pointers
New York made ten of its first 13 shots from behind the arc and built a 48-25 lead during the second quarter.
The Knicks still led 86-78 entering the fourth despite playing without Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jalen Brunson finished with 27 points, while Josh Hart and OG Anunoby returned after missing the previous game.
Garland leads Cleveland comeback
The Cavaliers won the fourth quarter 30-16 without Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome or De’Andre Hunter.
Darius Garland scored 13 of his 26 points in the period. He produced all 11 Cleveland points during the run that turned an 89-86 deficit into a 97-95 lead.
The loss was New York’s third in a row and left them winless in eight games against Cleveland and Boston that season.
Thibodeau demands a complete performance
Coach Tom Thibodeau said the Knicks had to confront their problems and play with greater consistency at both ends.
Detroit’s win in three of four regular-season meetings gave New York another warning before the playoffs.
Hart acknowledged that the Knicks were not playing their best basketball but said the regular-season results would not decide the postseason series.
