NEW YORK – The New York Knicks and head coach mike Brown began their partnership with a decisive 121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The win showcased a commitment to ball movement, defensive intensity, and a deeper bench than last season.
The Knicks utilized an 11-man rotation early in the game, finishing with 22 assists as a team. RJ Barrett led all scorers with 24 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 19 and Mikal Bridges added 16.
Bridges proved to be a catalyst for the Knicks’ energetic play, particularly on defense. Brown previously praised Bridges’ “next-play speed” during the preseason, describing it as a model for the entire team. Bridges’ impact was immediately evident, highlighted by a strip of Jaylon tyson leading to an uncontested layup during a personal 7-0 run that extended the Knicks’ lead to 26-16 in the first quarter. He started the game making his first four field goal attempts.
Despite being without key rebounders Josh Hart and Mitchell robinson, New York dominated the boards, finishing with a 46-32 rebounding advantage, including a 9-4 edge on the offensive glass.
The Cavaliers mounted a 16-2 run in the second quarter to close the gap to one point, but a combined 10 points from Landry Shamet and Miles McBride helped the Knicks regain control.
New York’s bench outscored Cleveland’s reserves 35-30. Tyler Kolek received extended playing time and demonstrated potential as Jalen Brunson’s primary backup at point guard, while Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, trey jamison III, and Ariel Hukporti – who started at center in place of Robinson – all provided valuable minutes.
