The New York Knicks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
- TV Channels: ABC
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on May 23, 2026
You can watch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the New York Knicks live on DIRECTV on ABC on May 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — Game 3 Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers return to Rocket Arena facing a 2-0 series hole, after the New York Knicks took control of the Eastern Conference Finals with a 115-104 overtime win in Game 1 and a 109-93 verdict in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
New York has poured in 119.9 points per game this postseason while Cleveland sits at 109.9 across its playoff run, and the Knicks’ 51.4 percent shooting against the Cavs’ 46.0 percent paints the gap as much shooting touch as anything else. Jalen Brunson has steered the visitors as the matchup’s leading scorer at 28.4 points per game on 48.9 percent from the floor, pairing that volume with 6.1 assists a night.
On the home side Donovan Mitchell carries Cleveland at 25.9 points per game and 5.2 rebounds, but his 45.0 percent shooting trails Brunson’s clip across the matchup. Karl-Anthony Towns adds another dimension for New York at 17.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, his 44.1 percent from three giving the Knicks a stretch big the Cavaliers have struggled to slow. Cleveland’s frontcourt answer runs through Evan Mobley, whose 1.9 blocks per game define one of the few defensive levers the Cavs have leaned on through the postseason.
A loss tonight pushes the Cavaliers to the brink of elimination, into a deficit no NBA team has overcome in a seven-game series.
New York Knicks lead the series 2-0.
National TV
ABC
What Time is the New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game Today?
The New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game starts at 8:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers?
You can watch New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on ABC.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers — 2026 NBA Playoffs Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | TV | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 19, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | ESPN | Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 |
| 2 | May 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | ESPN | Knicks 109, Cavaliers 93 |
| 3 | May 23, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH | ABC | — |
| 4 | May 25, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH | ESPN | — |
| 5 | May 27, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | ESPN | — |
| 6 | May 29, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH | ESPN | — |
| 7 | May 31, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | ESPN | — |
Players to Watch: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson — G. Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks’ attack at 28.4 points per game on 48.9 percent shooting, logging 35.8 minutes a night as the team’s primary engine. His 84.1 percent at the foul line and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc give New York reliable three-level scoring through the postseason. He also distributes 6.1 assists per game with just 2.3 turnovers, an assist-to-turnover ratio that keeps the offense in control.
Karl-Anthony Towns — C. From the center spot, Karl-Anthony Towns gives New York a stretch big at 17.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on 56.6 percent shooting. His 44.1 percent from three pulls Cleveland’s frontcourt away from the rim, and his 89.7 percent at the foul line converts late possessions into points. Towns also clears the defensive glass at 7.5 rebounds per game and adds 6.5 assists, playmaking numbers unusual for a big man.
OG Anunoby — F. Posting 20.4 points per game on a sterling 58.5 percent from the floor, OG Anunoby has been the second piece of New York’s scoring machine. His 48.9 percent shooting from three-point range stretches the Cleveland defense, and 1.8 steals per game adds value at the other end of the floor. Anunoby logs 35.1 minutes a night and chips in 7.2 rebounds per game from the wing.
Josh Hart — G. Off the rotation, Josh Hart fills a rebounder’s role unusual for a backcourt player at 8.8 boards per game across 33.6 minutes a night. His 8.1 defensive rebounds per game lead all Knicks guards through the postseason, and he adds 4.2 assists a night to keep the offense moving. Hart’s 1.5 steals per game further pad his all-around impact, even at a 10.5 points per game scoring volume.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell — G. Donovan Mitchell carries Cleveland’s offense at 25.9 points per game on 45.0 percent shooting, logging 36.3 minutes a night across the postseason. He hits 85.1 percent at the foul line and helps the Cavs in transition, where his 1.1 steals per game create extra possessions. His 31.5 percent from three has been the more inconsistent piece, an area Cleveland will need to find tonight.
Evan Mobley — C. Anchoring the Cleveland frontcourt at 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game, Evan Mobley supplies both interior scoring and rim protection at 16.9 points per game. His board split of 6.3 defensive and 2.1 offensive rebounds reflects a back-line role, and his 53.5 percent shooting offers efficiency around the basket. Mobley adds 4.1 assists per game from the center spot, an unusual passing dimension for a defensive anchor.
James Harden — G. At the lead-guard spot James Harden runs Cleveland’s offense at 6.0 assists per game across 37.7 minutes a night, scoring 19.7 points to go with his creation duties. His 4.9 turnovers per game is the cost of carrying that creation load on the half-court possessions. His 31.8 percent from three and 82.6 percent at the line round out a shooting profile that depends more on volume than touch.
Jarrett Allen — C. Jarrett Allen pairs with Mobley to anchor the Cavaliers’ interior, posting 7.3 rebounds per game and 63.7 percent shooting in 29.3 minutes a night. His 3.2 offensive rebounds per game lead all Cavaliers, turning missed shots into second-chance opportunities. Allen also blocks 1.8 shots per game, giving Cleveland a second interior anchor when Mobley sits.
What is the New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Series Record?
The New York Knicks lead the series 2-0 entering Game 3. The Knicks took the opener 115-104 in overtime and followed with a 109-93 victory in Game 2, both at Madison Square Garden. Cleveland needs a win at home tonight to avoid the deficit no team has overcome in NBA history.
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