Knicks vs. Cavaliers live score, updates, highlights from Game 1 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series

After a surprising blowout win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal round, the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to New York to take on the Knicks in Game 1. While the Cavaliers needed seven games to advance, the Knicks have been off for eight days following their sweep of the 76ers. 

Cleveland survived Detroit, but have yet to give consistent performances over multiple games. There have been games where Donovan Mitchell is flirting with 40 points. There have been games won on a good James Harden performance. However, Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have not hit on all cylinders in the same game yet. 

New York is in a great situation. Home court advantage, they are 8-2 in these playoffs and in their wins they have put up between 113 and 144 points in those games. The Knicks have played the best of any Eastern Conference team thus far in the playoffs. 

Cleveland will need to be the aggressor in each of the games in this series if they hope to make it competitive. If the Knicks can keep doing what they've been doing and Cleveland does not find consistency, this could be a short series.  

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live scores | Full schedule | Updated bracket

Cavaliers vs. Pistons live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 6 

bring on the ECF 🙌 pic.twitter.com/w29lImifBh

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 18, 2026

We've got a Cavs champ calling the game tonight, folks. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/sjeqG7QePj

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 19, 2026

back at @TheGarden 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/RmRDQhHV8E

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 19, 2026

SPIDA. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/DujS7HzfR8

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 19, 2026

How to Watch Game 1 Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0) vs Detroit Pistons (0-0)

Friday, May 19

Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN 

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