NBA Player News

Towns ended Tuesday's 115-104 overtime win over Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 13 points (6-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt), 13 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 40 minutes.

Towns, while not at his best, chalked up his third double-double in the past four games, while also handing out at least five assists for the eighth straight contest. Matched up against the size of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Towns certainly held his own on both ends of the floor. He continues to serve as an offensive hub, averaging 6.7 assists in 10 appearances over the past month.

Bridges registered 18 points (7-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and two steals across 42 minutes during Tuesday's 115-104 overtime victory over Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Bridges continues to play much better on the offensive end, shooting at least 50 percent from the floor for the eighth consecutive game. After trailing by 22 points midway through the final quarter, New York was able to rally back, stealing the victory in overtime. Bridges landed a crucial three-pointer in the final minute of regulation, leveling the scores for the first time since the opening term. Bridges appears to have rediscovered his mojo, averaging 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in four appearances over the past two weeks.

Strus had eight points (2-6 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal over 25 minutes during Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Strus shifted back to the bench after starting in Game 7 against the Pistons. Despite the demotion, he still managed to play meaningful minutes, logging at least 25 minutes for the ninth straight game. While he has been on the floor when it matters, Strus' production has been less than ideal on most nights. He has scored double digits only once in the past seven games, struggling to find his rhythm from the perimeter.

Allen racked up 10 points (3-6 FG, 4-8 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Allen finished with a serviceable line, although he was well below his best. He continues to alternate good and bad games, adding to Cleveland's mixed fortunes thus far. With that said, he has scored double digits in six of the past seven games, while blocking at least one shot in 14 straight contests. Look for Allen to try to play a more decisive role when the two teams clash again in Game 2 on Thursday.

Harden racked up 15 points (5-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), four rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 42 minutes during Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to New York in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Harden struggled to have an impact on the defensive end, with Jalen Brunson having his way down the stretch. New York ran multiple plays to isolate Harden, at which point Brunson was able to get to his spots on the floor. Harden also recorded at least six turnovers for the third time in the past four games, impacted by the defensive pressure put on him by the likes of Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. Now trailing 1-0, Cleveland will look to rebound after Tuesday's loss, hoping to return home with the series tied at 1-1.

Mitchell finished Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 29 points (12-23 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six steals, five rebounds, three assists and one block across 41 minutes.

Mitchell turned in an extremely efficient performance and scored 26 points through the first three quarters. However, the star guard struggled late, scoring just three points while shooting 1-for-6 from the field between the fourth quarter and overtime. With Mitchell and James Harden both unable to deliver offensively down the stretch, the Knicks erased a 22-point deficit in the final 7:52 of the fourth before completing their stunning comeback in overtime. Despite the late-game struggles, Mitchell still led the Cavaliers in points and chipped in a game- and career-high six steals. He'll look to stay highly productive in Game 2 on Wednesday as the Cavaliers aim to steal a win at Madison Square Garden.

Brunson totaled 38 points (15-29 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-10 FT), six assists, five rebounds and three steals across 46 minutes in Tuesday's 115-104 overtime victory over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brunson spearheaded a historic comeback at Madison Square Garden, fueling a late surge after the Knicks trailed by as many as 22 points with 7:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. The star point guard took complete control of the final frame, erupting for 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting to erase the massive deficit and stun the Cavaliers. While his three-point shot wasn't falling, Brunson consistently reached his spots in the paint and mid-range to pick apart the Cleveland defense. He logged a massive 46 minutes in the series opener and has now eclipsed 30 points in four of his last seven postseason games. The victory marks New York's eighth consecutive win heading into Game 2.

McBride won't start Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

With OG Anunoby (hamstring) back in the lineup, McBride will retreat to the second unit. The 25-year-old guard has averaged 5.9 points while shooting 33.3 percent from the field in 19.4 minutes per game across eight appearances off the bench this postseason.

Strus won't start Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks.

After starting Sunday's Game 7 win over Detroit, Strus will slide back to the second unit as the Cavaliers move Dean Wade into the starting lineup. This adjustment likely aims to bolster Cleveland's frontcourt size and defense against a physical Knicks squad. Strus was a reliable contributor in the previous round, averaging 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, and he has a history of sparked scoring off the bench, including a 20-point performance in Game 5 of the second round. Expect the veteran sharpshooter to maintain a significant role as the primary floor-spacer for the reserve unit.

Nance (illness) is available for Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks.

Nance missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals due to an illness, though he's available Tuesday. However, the veteran big man has appeared in just two games this postseason and isn't guaranteed to see the floor in Game 1.