The Knicks didn't need an epic fourth-quarter comeback in this one, this time handling the Cleveland Cavaliers easily in a 109-93 win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here are the takeaways...

-- In a game where Jalen Brunson finished with 19 points but had just two points in the first half, New York leaned on its supporting cast heavily early on, who got the job done.

First, it was Karl-Anthony Towns who had seven points in the first quarter by bullying his way to the rim and finding his stroke early from long range. Mikal Bridges also chipped in with six in the opening quarter with excellent shot selection.

Off the bench, Miles McBride added some energy and shot-making ability, hitting a three with 2:09 left in the first quarter to put New York ahead by two. It was the last basket the Knicks would make until the second quarter as the Cavaliers re-took the lead thanks to a 5-0 run to end the first quarter.

-- McBride kept it going to kick off the second with a two-pointer before Towns tied things up with a deep three. It was a bit of a slog for New York after that until Bridges ended a nearly three-minute stretch without a made field goal with a nice pull-up jumper.

OG Anunoby and Josh Hart started to get involved from there and ended the half by combining for the Knicks' final 15 points, including back-to-back threes.

Meanwhile, what Brunson lacked in scoring in the first half, he made up for with his passing by totaling five assists at halftime. In fact, New York as a team did a great job of passing the ball around and had 17 assists compared to Cleveland's nine at the break and led 53-49.

-- Following his offensive flurry to end the half, Hart completely caught fire in the third quarter, especially from deep, and went 3-for-3 behind the line, all assisted by Brunson. His third three-pointer of the quarter gave him 24 points. Speaking of Brunson, the point guard had six assists in the third quarter alone and finished with a playoff career-high 14.

For Hart's part, he added seven dimes to go along with his game-high 26 points, as well as four rebounds and two steals.

After outscoring the Cavs 32-21 in the third quarter, the Knicks' lead ballooned to as high as 19 points.

-- The fourth quarter started ice cold for New York, with Cleveland going on an 8-0 run, mostly off free throws, to get the game to within striking distance. But the Knicks' offense eventually won out and put an end to any inkling of a Cavs comeback. Anunoby and Bridges hit some key shots before Brunson got to work late in the game, finishing with 19 points.

New York's starting five all finished in double-digits. Bridges had 19, Towns had 18 with 13 rebounds and Anunoby had 14. Brunson ended with a double-double, his eighth playoff double-double and 61st of his career.

-- The Knicks have now won nine straight playoff games with a +212 point differential in that stretch.

Game MVP: Josh Hart

It was Hart's scoring outburst in the third quarter that took the game from close to a blowout.

Here are the takeaways...

Game MVP: Josh Hart

Highlights

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