It wasn’t even close. The Knicks used a 37-point first quarter to dominate the Cavaliers throughout Game 3, bringing the NBA Eastern Conference Finals just one game away from a potential New York sweep.
The 121-108 final score didn’t fully represent how much New York outplayed Cleveland in Game 3, particularly the ability to get up and down the court. The Knicks had 17 fast break points versus just 4 for the Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the odds-on favorite to win the ECF MVP – Jalen Brunson – led all scoring Saturday with 30 points.
The New York Knicks are priced at 55 cents on Kalshi to sweep the Cavaliers. Given Cleveland’s dismal execution following the first 40 minutes of Game 1, we agree. If you believe Jalen Brunson will steal the show Monday night, and that the Cavaliers won’t be able to find an answer, then NYK at 55 cents is a good value.
Along that same line of thinking, we agree with Kalshi traders who have put the Knicks -2.5 points as a modest favorite at 52 cents. The Cavs haven’t really been close to posing a threat to the Knicks since Game 1, where Cleveland crumbled during the single overtime period.
The Knicks are the true news-makers of the ECF, but you wouldn’t know that by scrolling through major online media outlets. Did you know that Taylor Swift attended Game 3 in Cleveland? Did you see the moment when she handed her beau, NFL star tight end Travis Kelce, a piece of gum?
One of the great things about prediction markets is that you can guess not only which team will win during a high profile sports contest, but also test your forecasting skills in other markets like whether a pop star will attend the game.
Peripheral market aside, the Cavaliers are in dire need of an on-court spark. They have Game 4 Monday night, and will immediately fly to New York (for Wednesday’s Game 5) if they win. If they lose, they get swept and the New York Knicks advance to the 2025-26 NBA Finals to face either San Antonio or the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It should come as no surprise that New York Knicks’ guard Jalen Brunson has steadily climbed the ladder for the overall favorite to be named the ECF’s Most Valuable Player. It’s easy to see why he is currently listed at 93 cents on Kalshi, as Brunson has single-handedly placed the team on his back, especially during the pivotal overtime win in Game 1.
Donovan Mitchell has been the only point of optimism for the Cavs, but his 3 cents price for series MVP seems a bit steep given the 3-0 deficit the Cavs face going into Monday night’s Game 4 at Rocket Arena.
You can catch all the action live Monday by watching Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Knicks on ESPN. Tip-off is set for 8:00pm Eastern Time.
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