The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 109-94 at home on February 25, 2026. Cleveland's strong interior presence and defensive effort proved decisive in a physical battle against a conference rival. The Cavaliers controlled the paint from the outset, with their All-Star forward leading the charge on both ends of the floor. New York's typically stout defense had no answer for Cleveland's size and scoring in the key. The Knicks stayed competitive through three quarters with their gritty style, but the Cavaliers pulled away in the fourth with a 12-0 run, sparked by defensive stops and efficient offense. This victory was an important one for Cleveland's playoff positioning, demonstrating their ability to win a grinding, defensive-minded game against a tough opponent.