The New York Knicks pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to the brink of elimination with a decisive 121-108 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.<\/p>\n
The Cavs failed to protect home court and fell into an impossible 3-0 series hole, prompting Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> legend Magic Johnson to publicly question the team\u2019s effort and urgency.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Magic Johnson Questions the Cavaliers\u2019 Effort After a Bleak Game 3 Loss to the Knicks<\/p>\n The Cleveland fans were hoping that James Harden<\/a> and the Cavaliers would change the momentum in Game 3 after dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n However, it was not to be.<\/p>\n New York controlled the pace from the opening tip and never looked uncomfortable. Jalen Brunson<\/a> continued his high-usage, high-efficiency postseason run, scoring 30 points and recording 6 assists.<\/p>\n The Knicks generated consistent offense through their starters, and Cleveland\u2019s lack of effort on the hardcourt did not do them any favors in front of the basketball gods.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n SEE ALSO: \u2018LITERAL CONE,\u2019 \u2018Loser Intangibles\u2019 \u2014 NBA World Rips James Harden as Cavaliers Fall Behind 3\u20130 to Knicks<\/a><\/p>\n Following the final buzzer, Magic Johnson voiced his frustration with the Cavaliers, pointing out their energy level in front of a hopeful home crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cThe New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 and go up 3-0 in the Series,\u201d Johnson posted<\/a>. \u201cI was disappointed in the Cavaliers effort and body language tonight. There\u2019s no way you\u2019re at home, down 2-0 to the Knicks, and come out with a lack of effort and urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n He then projected that the Knicks would be a major problem for the winner of the Oklahoma City<\/a> Thunder-San Antonio Spurs<\/a> series.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Knicks are on their way to the NBA Finals playing their best basketball, which is going to be trouble for the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> or the San Antonio Spurs!\u201d Johnson added.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Cleveland could not match New York\u2019s intensity inside or on the perimeter at any point during the game. Evan Mobley<\/a> led the frontcourt with a 24-point showing, and Donovan Mitchell<\/a> added 23 points.<\/p>\n James Harden handled primary playmaking duties but struggled from the perimeter, going 1-for-7 from beyond the arc and committing 6 turnovers.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, besides Brunson, New York received vital contributions across the roster. OG Anunoby<\/a> delivered 21 points and 7 rebounds, Mikal Bridges<\/a> provided 22 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> secured 8 rebounds and chipped in 13 points.<\/p>\n