Overview
- The New York Knicks completed a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers to clinch the Eastern Conference and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
- Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference finals MVP after averaging about 25.5 points and 7.8 assists across the series.
- New York has won 11 straight playoff games, with most victories by double digits, and will have more rest before Game 1 on June 3.
- The Western Conference champion is still undecided as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 in Oklahoma City, with injuries and bench depth cited as decisive factors.
- League voices are split on the Finals outlook: many coaches and scouts told Brian Windhorst they see the Knicks as legitimate underdogs while some former players questioned how New York would match up with the Spurs or Thunder.