Magic Johnson Sends Warning to Thunder and Spurs After Knicks' Game 3 Win
Magic Johnson believes the Knicks are starting to look like a serious problem for whoever comes out of the West. New York moved one win away from the NBA Finals after beating the Cavaliers 121-108 in Game 3 and taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
While Cleveland's lack of urgency caught Magic's attention, his bigger takeaway was about the Knicks. In his view, they are playing their best basketball at the perfect time, and that should worry both the Thunder and Spurs as they battle on the other side of the bracket.
After the game, Johnson took to X to share his thoughts on the game saying, "The New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 and go up 3-0 in the Series. I was disappointed in the Cavaliers effort and body language tonight. There's no way you're at home, down 2-0 to the Knicks, and come out with a lack of effort and urgency.
The New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 and go up 3-0 in the Series. I was disappointed in the Cavaliers effort and body language tonight. There's no way you're at home, down 2-0 to the Knicks, and come out with a lack of effort and urgency.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 24, 2026
The Knicks are on…
He continued, "The Knicks are on their way to the NBA Finals playing their best basketball, which is going to be trouble for the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs!"
The Cavaliers Face an Extremely Tough Road Back Into the Series
The Cavaliers are running out of time, and Game 3 made their problems look much bigger than one bad night.
New York walked into Cleveland and won 121-108, taking a 3-0 lead in the series. At this point, the Knicks look like the team with the clearer identity. They are playing with more force, moving with more confidence, and getting big contributions from the players who matter most.
Cleveland, meanwhile, looked strangely flat for a team fighting to stay alive. The Cavs had enough individual scoring to hang around, but they never really matched the Knicks' energy or control. Evan Mobley had 24 points, Donovan Mitchell added 23, Jarrett Allen scored 17, and James Harden finished with 19, but the overall performance still felt disconnected.
For New York, Jalen Brunson once again set the tone with 30 points, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby gave the Knicks the balance that Cleveland has been missing.
That is why the bigger offseason questions are already starting. If this is truly a win-now roster, the Cavs may need more than small tweaks. The idea of a LeBron James reunion will naturally come up because Cleveland badly needs leadership, composure, and someone who raises the level in playoff moments.
Before that conversation gets serious, though, the Cavs have to avoid a sweep. Game 4 is about pride now.
Related: Victor Wembanyama Admits Major Flaw After Spurs Fall Behind OKC
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 1:07 AM.