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Mike Brown Leads Knicks to 11-Win Streak, Finals Return

5/26/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mike Brown (head coach) became the first NBA head coach to return to the Finals after a 19-year hiatus, a league record.
He also set the longest playoff win streak, with 11 victories in his first season, as New York Knicks swept Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to reach the Finals.
Game 3 saw the Knicks average 115 points and shoot 56% while the Cavaliers averaged 101.7 points and hit 29% on three-pointers.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 Phil Jackson steered the Chicago Bulls to a 62-20 record and a sixth NBA title, clinched on June 14, 1998, exemplifying how veteran leadership can revive a franchise. That model resurfaced in 2024 when coach Mike Brown guided the New York Knicks to a playoff run and a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers, echoing the Bulls' resurgence.

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Story summary

Mike Brown (head coach) became the first NBA head coach to return to the Finals after a 19-year hiatus, a league record.
He also set the longest playoff win streak, with 11 victories in his first season, as New York Knicks swept Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to reach the Finals.
Game 3 saw the Knicks average 115 points and shoot 56% while the Cavaliers averaged 101.7 points and hit 29% on three-pointers.

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