The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-79, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

The game got out to a slow start and was tied at 17, after one quarter. The Knicks turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 28-15, to claim a 13-point lead at the break. The hosts kept the pressure on in the third and added another four-points to their advantage to make it a 17-point difference heading into the final frame. The Cavs kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough as the Knicks confidently closed out the home win to take a 2-1 series lead.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Josh Hart added 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Evan Mobley totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Cavs shot 38.8 percent from the field, including 7-of-33 from long range.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in New York.