What happened: The basket came in the final minute and created a seven-point cushion. Los Angeles faced a three-possession deficit entering the closing stretch.
Why it matters: New York could prioritize clock management while Los Angeles needed multiple quick stops. The late separation put the game within one sustained possession of being settled.
By the numbers: Allen: first made 3-pointer of the night; New York lead: 108-101; margin: 7 points; time remaining: final minute.
What to watch: The closing possessions will determine whether the seven-point lead holds.