Quick Recap:
• Record: 1-0
• Units: +1.0
• Best Win: New York Knicks -6.5 (+1.0u)
• Tough Loss: —
Bryan Bash delivered a clean performance on May 21, 2026, finishing 1-0 on his NBA betting card. The handicapper’s sole selection proved successful as the New York Knicks covered against the Cleveland Cavaliers in playoff action at Madison Square Garden.
Cavaliers at Knicks
Bash backed the New York Knicks -6.5 against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, and the home team delivered a convincing 109-93 victory that covered the spread comfortably by 9.5 points. The bet Won at standard -110 odds for one unit.
The Knicks dominated this playoff contest from start to finish, extending their postseason winning streak to nine consecutive games—the NBA’s longest such streak since the Boston Celtics won 10 straight en route to the 2024 championship. Josh Hart paced New York with a playoff career-high 26 points and added 7 assists, while Jalen Brunson orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 14 assists. Mikal Bridges contributed 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Knicks’ third quarter proved decisive in securing both the victory and the cover. After leading by just four points at halftime, New York outscored Cleveland 32-21 in the third period to push the margin into double digits and effectively put the game out of reach. The Cavaliers never mounted a serious fourth-quarter comeback, managing only 23 points in the final frame.
New York’s offensive efficiency stood in stark contrast to Cleveland’s struggles. The Knicks shot 51.8% from the field and distributed the ball effectively with 32 assists, while the Cavaliers managed just 38.8% shooting overall and a dismal 25.7% from three-point range. Cleveland’s 15 assists reflected their offensive stagnation throughout the contest. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 26 points leading the Cavaliers, the visitors lacked the secondary scoring and ball movement necessary to keep pace with the surging Knicks. The 17-assist differential told the story of New York’s superior offensive execution, which allowed them to pull away comfortably and move halfway to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Bash’s selection capitalized on the Knicks’ momentum and home-court advantage in what proved to be a lopsided playoff affair. The 16-point final margin provided plenty of cushion beyond the 6.5-point spread, making this a stress-free winner for those who followed the handicapper’s recommendation. A perfect 1-0 day keeps Bash’s momentum positive heading into the next slate of games.
