The New York Knicks sent a strong message to the rest of the league. With a convincing 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, New York is now just two wins away from its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

In a game where the Cavaliers constantly tried to neutralize Jalen Brunson with aggressive double-teams, the Knicks' captain showed another side of his game. Less effective from the basket, Brunson scored "only" 19 points, but he compensated with a playoff career-high 14 assists. A demonstration of maturity and court vision.

And the one who benefited most from this collective vision was none other than his childhood friend and former teammate at Villanova University, Josh Hart. Hart finished as the Knicks' leading scorer with 26 points, joking after the game that Brunson had "forgotten" he was open on some plays. More seriously, he explained that this performance primarily showcased the team's depth and the complete trust Brunson places in his teammates. When asked if he had a particular intention of looking for Hart first, Brunson simply replied, "No, he was just open."

The Knicks' ability to find different offensive weapons has become one of the team's greatest strengths.

But beyond basketball, it's the atmosphere in that locker room that's most striking. For several years, this team has exuded a rare energy in the NBA: that of a group that genuinely enjoys being together. After the game, Hart arrived at the press conference with a huge box of pizza, immediately triggering reactions from Karl-Anthony Towns.

"I know you didn't bring a pizza," Towns said with a laugh. Then the two players began a serious debate about pizza in front of the reporters. "Do you eat the crusts?" Towns asked. "It depends... if it's a garlic crust," Hart replied.

This lightheartedness, this camaraderie, and this ability to remain relaxed despite the stakes are almost like a group of teenagers having fun together at work. A rare freshness in an environment as intense as the NBA playoffs. And perhaps that's precisely what makes this team so dangerous.

Coach Mike Brown even compared Hart to Andre Iguodala, explaining that it sometimes takes time to understand and appreciate everything that type of player brings, even when it doesn't show up in the stats. Hart's response once again drew laughter from the entire room.

"Statistics are like a lamppost for a drunk person: they help you see, but they don't get you home."

Even Towns seemed surprised by the formula.

On the court, the turning point of the game came in the third quarter. With the score tied at 53-53, New York went on a brutal 18-0 run against the Cavaliers to definitively take control of the game and pull away to a 71-53 lead.

Madison Square Garden erupted, with fans ending the night chanting "Knicks in four!".

Mikal Bridges added 19 points while putting in a tremendous defensive shift throughout the game, while Towns recorded a solid double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points. James Harden added 18, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Cavaliers from returning to Ohio down 2-0 in the series.

The series now moves to Cleveland for a crucial Game 3 on Saturday night.