OG Anunoby had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 23 points and the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in their first game under coach Mike Brown.

The Knicks and Cavaliers figure to jockey for home-court advantage throughout the season. New York struck first in teams' season opener.

Mike Brown praises OG Anunoby’s monster performance after Knicks beat Cavs, calling him the “defensive player of the game” in season opener.

Our Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions are calling for Miles McBride to make an impact as New York handles business at home in the season opener vs. Cleveland on October 22, 2025.

Donovan Mitchell almost single-handedly had the Knicks on the ropes. He caught fire for 21 points in the third quarter and gave the Cavaliers a one-point lead, undoing the Knicks’ dominant first half. The raucous Madison Square Garden had gone quiet. Mike Brown’s Opening Night party was at risk of being spoiled.

New York spent all of Wednesday hounding Cleveland’s ballhandlers in the backcourt. The Knicks alternated who was at the point of attack. They threw different looks. The Knicks wanted to make their opponent work for what it wanted, to be on the front foot, as opposed to reacting.

Both the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers may be without multiple key players in Wednesday night's Eastern Conference showdown.

There's no way to predict what will unfold in any given league's season, including the NBA's. For the Cleveland Cavs, there are a few great matchups.

Last season, Cleveland swept the season series and finished 13 games ahead of New York. But the Knicks controlled the 2025-26 opener at Madison Square Garden for about 40 of the 48 minutes, finishing strong and holding on for a 119-111 victory on Wednesday.

KAT is playing through a Grade 2 calf strain, but the Knicks triumphed over the team many consider to be their stiffest competition in the East.

T he Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks each look to rebound from their first losses of the season when they meet tonight on NBC/Peacock. The Knicks lost Sunday in South Beach to the Miami Heat,