Cavs lose to Knicks 109-97 as Brunson and Towns combine for 60 points

The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-97, powered by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combining for 60 points. Towns kept New York close early with 14 first-quarter points, while Brunson scored 16 points during a five-minute stretch to help the Knicks take a 63-53 halftime lead before pulling away in the third quarter.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a season-high 37 points, but Cleveland struggled offensively elsewhere as Evan Mobley and James Harden totaled just 19 points combined. The Cavaliers were also depleted by injuries, missing Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill.