Harden Defensive Push Powers Cavaliers to 109-94 Win Over Knicks, Avoiding Season Sweep

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 109-94 on Feb. 24, 2026, handing the visitors a decisive loss and preventing a season sweep. The Cavs managed to harden their defense in critical stretches, stifling the Knicks and producing the margin that sealed the statement win.

Feb. 24, 2026: Final score 109-94

Cleveland closed the game with a 109-94 final, a 15-point margin that left no late-game doubt. That numerical result is central to the night's narrative: the Cavaliers converted defensive stops into scoring runs large enough to maintain separation throughout the late stages of the contest.

Donovan Mitchell's Cavs Deliver a Statement Win

Donovan Mitchell's Cavs were characterized in postgame coverage as having earned a "statement win" over New York. The description reflects both the size of the victory and the way Cleveland imposed its game plan; Mitchell's team execution created the conditions for a controlled finish rather than a narrow escape.

Harden Defensive Shift Helps Stifle Knicks

The Cavs' ability to harden defensive pressure proved decisive, repeatedly disrupting the Knicks' offensive flow. That stifling approach is directly tied to the outcome: by limiting reliable scoring sequences, Cleveland turned stops into transition and half-court offense that sustained the lead to 109-94.

Cavaliers Avoid Season Sweep

With the win, Cleveland avoided a season sweep at the hands of the Knicks. The effect is concrete: a blemish that would have stood on the record was erased, and the Cavs instead leave the regular-season series with at least one victory against New York this year.

Knicks' Struggles Under Pressure

New York was repeatedly stifled, and that inability to respond to Cleveland's defensive adjustments defined the stretch run. When the Knicks failed to find consistent scoring answers, the Cavaliers extended their lead and controlled the clock, culminating in the 109-94 final.

What makes this notable is the combination of timing and outcome: on Feb. 24, 2026 a clear defensive pivot by the Cavs translated into a measurable result — a 15-point victory that also prevented a season sweep. The broader implication is that the Cavaliers can convert targeted defensive corrections into immediate wins, while the Knicks face the concrete task of reversing those same short-term breakdowns.