New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Final Score & Over/Under Result — May 23, 2026
Final · NBA · Tip-off 8:00 PM ET at Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Final Total: 229
over — the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers combined for 229, over the 215.5 total.
Game Recap
Jalen Brunson's 30-point night powered the Knicks to a 121–108 victory in Cleveland, as New York's perimeter dominance overwhelmed the Cavaliers' interior depth. The game lived up to its over forecast from the jump: the opening quarter exploded for 64 combined points, setting a relentless pace that would define the evening. DAGGER's pregame lean toward the over hit decisively, with the final combined score of 229 clearing the 215.5 market total by 13.5 points.
New York controlled the first half's tempo, scoring 37 in the opening frame before cooling slightly to 23 in Q2, while the halves combined to 114 points. The Knicks' second-half surge in Q3—31 points—proved critical, as Cleveland managed just 28 in that same period. Brunson's efficiency complemented Mikal Bridges' 22 points and 6 rebounds and OG Anunoby's 21 points and 7 rebounds, establishing a three-pronged attack the Cavaliers couldn't contain. Evan Mobley (24 points, 6 rebounds) and Donovan Mitchell (23 points, 4 assists) kept Cleveland competitive, while James Harden chipped in 19 points and 5 assists. The second half produced 115 combined points, mirroring the first-half output in a balanced back-and-forth that never fully settled into rhythm. This matchup has seen elevated scoring all season—the teams' three prior meetings totaled 202, 219, and 203—and tonight's 229 fit that volatile pattern. DAGGER's live call also cashed.
Box Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 23 | 31 | 30 | 121 | |
| 27 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 108 |
Top Performers
| # | Player | Pos | Team | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #11 | Jalen Brunson | G | 30 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| #25 | Mikal Bridges | G-F | 22 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| #8 | OG Anunoby | F-G | 21 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| #4 | Evan Mobley | C | 24 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| #45 | Donovan Mitchell | G | 23 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| #1 | James Harden | G | 19 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Over/Under Line Movement
Recent Team Form
| Team | Scored | Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| 120.9 | 99.8 | |
| 107.3 | 107.8 | |
| Scored sum | 228.2 | vs 215.5(+12.7) |
| Allowed sum | 207.6 | vs 215.5(-7.9) |
Previous Matchups
| Date | Matchup | Away | Home | Total | Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | 93 | 109 | 202 | 215.5 | |
| May 19, 2026 | 104 | 115 | 219 | 218.5 | |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 94 | 109 | 203 | 231.5 | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 124 | 126 | 250 | 241.5 | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | 111 | 119 | 230 | — | |
| Averages | 105.2 | 115.6 | 220.8 | 226.8 | |