The New York Knicks continued their hot streak on Wednesday night, claiming their fourth consecutive victory with a 138-122 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were the stars of the show, combining for 70 points to lead the Knicks’ dominant offensive performance. Brunson finished with 36 points, while Towns added 34, as New York never trailed in the game, showcasing their deep and balanced attack.
Brunson’s scoring explosion came on an efficient 12-for-19 shooting night, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ point guard was on fire from the start, scoring 23 points before halftime on an incredible 8-for-9 shooting. Towns, the four-time All-Star acquired by the Knicks before the season, provided a consistent scoring presence, hitting 13-of-20 shots. The two stars powered a high-octane offense that left the Suns struggling to keep pace.
Josh Hart also contributed heavily, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in another well-rounded performance. Hart’s ability to impact the game in multiple areas has been a major asset for the Knicks, and he helped keep the Suns from mounting any serious comeback attempts. All five Knicks starters scored in double figures, proving just how balanced and difficult to defend their lineup has become.
For Phoenix, Devin Booker did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 33 points on 12-for-23 shooting. However, he lacked the necessary support as the Suns’ injury woes continued. Jusuf Nurkic, who has been solid since joining Phoenix, added 14 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Knicks’ offensive onslaught. The Suns have now lost five straight games, and their struggles have been compounded by the absence of key players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Durant, who has missed seven straight games due to a left calf strain, was again sidelined for this contest, as was Beal, who has missed five consecutive games with a similar injury. The Suns’ lack of offensive firepower without these two stars was evident throughout the game, and their defensive issues only added to the frustration. Phoenix’s defense was porous, allowing the Knicks to score at will, particularly from beyond the arc.
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New York’s fast start set the tone early. The Knicks opened the game by hitting their first eight shots, including four three-pointers. Their red-hot shooting from the opening tip put the Suns on their heels, and they never recovered. By the end of the first quarter, the Knicks held a commanding 44-28 lead, shooting an eye-popping 18-for-23 (78.3%) from the field, including 8-for-11 (72.7%) from three-point range.
The second quarter was more of the same, with New York pushing their lead to 76-58 at halftime. Brunson’s hot shooting kept the Suns at bay, while Towns was a steady force, making plays both inside and from the perimeter. The Knicks’ ability to shoot efficiently and move the ball to create open looks was a key factor in their dominant first half.
The Suns made a push midway through the third quarter, cutting the Knicks’ lead to 88-77. However, New York quickly responded with an 11-2 run, led by a pair of three-pointers from Brunson and some strong interior play from Towns. The Knicks’ ability to weather the brief Phoenix rally highlighted their maturity and confidence, as they held firm in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive win.
One of the most telling moments of the game came on the very first possession, when Brunson hit a three-pointer to set the tone for the night. That shot was a sign of things to come, as the Knicks continued to hit shots with confidence throughout the game. Their early shooting outburst put the Suns in a difficult position, and they were never able to recover.
The Knicks’ success from three-point range was a crucial factor. New York finished the game with 16 three-pointers, shooting 42.1% from beyond the arc. The Suns, on the other hand, were unable to match that production, shooting just 9-for-25 (36%) from three. This disparity in shooting was a key factor in the final margin of victory.
As the Knicks cruised through the fourth quarter, their depth and balanced offense were on full display. Phoenix had no answer for New York’s scoring, and the Knicks were able to keep the pressure on with a strong team performance. This win was another example of how the Knicks have become a more dangerous and complete team with the addition of Towns, who has quickly become a centerpiece of their offense.
For the Suns, the struggles are mounting. With Durant and Beal sidelined, Phoenix is finding it difficult to compete against high-caliber teams. While Booker’s efforts were admirable, the Suns need more from their supporting cast if they hope to turn their season around. The defensive lapses and inability to hit shots consistently are areas that need improvement if Phoenix is to regain their form.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will continue their road trip with a visit to Utah on Saturday, while the Suns will return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Knicks will be looking to extend their winning streak, while Phoenix is hoping to find a way to recover from their tough stretch of losses.
Key Stats and Takeaways:
- Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, including 23 points in the first half.
- Karl-Anthony Towns added 34 points on 13-for-20 shooting, showcasing his scoring versatility.
- Josh Hart had a well-rounded performance with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
- Devin Booker scored 33 points for the Suns, but lacked sufficient support.
- The Knicks shot 18-for-23 (78.3%) in the first quarter, including 8-for-11 (72.7%) from three-point range.
- The Suns were without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal for the seventh and fifth consecutive games, respectively.
- New York’s hot shooting and balanced attack led to their fourth straight win.
- The Suns have now lost five consecutive games and will host the Lakers on Tuesday.
- Up next: The Knicks will visit Utah on Saturday, and the Suns will host the Lakers on Tuesday.