Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell offers explicit assessment of the team's historic collapse to the Knicks

Mitchell calls out Cavaliers after 22-point collapse in Knicks loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers surrendered a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost 115-104 to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 19, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. Donovan Mitchell said the team simply blew the game. The Knicks erased a 93-71 deficit with 7:52 remaining.

Mitchell scored 29 points and recorded six steals. The Cavaliers controlled the first three quarters while limiting the Knicks' offense, but the fourth quarter produced a 44-11 run by New York that included 16 points from Jalen Brunson.

The only larger fourth-quarter comeback in the last 30 years occurred when the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 24-point deficit against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2012 playoffs. The Knicks had previously rallied from 20-point deficits three times during their 2025 postseason run.

Mitchell stated the team must review the film and respond in Game 2 on Thursday. He added that the loss cannot derail the series after the Cavaliers played solidly for most of the contest.