\n<\/p>\n
The New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years with a commanding 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Knicks continued their fine form as they swept the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals 4-0 and extended their franchise record play-off win streak to 11 games.<\/p>\n
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks’ scoring with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while the series’ Most Valuable Player Jalen Brunson added 15.<\/p>\n
The Knicks, whose only NBA titles came in 1970 and 1973, last reached the NBA Finals in 1999 when they lost 4-1 against the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n
Brunson, 29, was just two years old at the time, but his father Rick – who is now an assistant coach at the franchise – was a guard on the team.<\/p>\n
“It means a lot, but I wouldn’t be here without my team-mates, the belief they had in me,” said Brunson.<\/p>\n
“They give me the confidence. They let me be me. Most importantly, we all believe in each other from top to bottom. It’s an honour to play with them.”<\/p>\n
The Knicks will face either defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the Spurs in next month’s showpiece, with the teams tied at 2-2 in the Western Conference finals.<\/p>\n
Landry Shamet, who scored 16 points and netted all four of his three-pointer attempts, said his side are remaining focused on the “larger goal” rather than dwelling on their victory over the Cavaliers.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got four more wins to try and go get and we know it’s going to be even harder. Being in this position with this team, it’s pretty special,” he said.<\/p>\n
If the Knicks continue their unbeaten run and sweep the finals, they will equal the NBA’s record play-off win streak of 15 set by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.<\/p>\n
The Knicks ended the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with 12 unanswered points to lead 50-26.<\/p>\n
Shamet’s third three-pointer later put the Knicks 61-32 up and they never looked back, overwhelming the Cavs after half-time with 22 turnovers.<\/p>\n
Donovan Mitchell top-scored for the Cavs with 31 points.<\/p>\n
Game five of the Western Conference finals takes place on Tuesday (01:30 BST Wednesday).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n