Jalen Brunson put on a clinic Monday night, finishing with 26 points and 11 assists as the New York Knicks cruised to a 134-106 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The win extended Washington’s losing streak to nine games and was a statement performance from the Knicks, who dominated from start to finish despite playing their second game in as many nights.
The Knicks came out firing on all cylinders, scoring 40 points in the first quarter alone and never looking back. Their offensive firepower was relentless, with Karl-Anthony Towns adding a stellar 24 points and 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action. New York’s high-scoring performance was fueled by their scorching 3-point shooting, as they finished 20-of-40 from beyond the arc. By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks had already built an insurmountable lead, up 109-75, and their starters got the rest they needed ahead of their upcoming trip to Phoenix.
Brunson’s Bounce Back: 26 Points, 5 Threes, and 11 Assists
After a rough shooting night against Brooklyn just 24 hours earlier, Brunson bounced back in a big way. He knocked down five three-pointers, shooting 9-of-15 from the floor overall. In Sunday’s win over the Nets, Brunson had struggled, finishing just 3-for-14 with no made threes, but his performance on Monday was a reminder of how important he is to the Knicks’ success. His 11 assists also showed his playmaking ability, helping to keep the offense flowing smoothly and contributing to New York’s dominant win.
Brunson’s ability to hit shots from all over the floor, including from deep, gave the Knicks the offensive spark they needed to overwhelm a Wizards team that has been struggling mightily. His leadership in this game was evident, setting the tone early and ensuring that Washington never had a chance to get back into the contest.
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Knicks’ Depth and Shooting Prowess Shine Through
While Brunson stole the headlines, the Knicks’ depth also played a pivotal role in the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns was a force in the paint, adding 24 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Knicks dominate on both ends of the floor. Towns only needed 25 minutes to reach his double-double, showcasing his efficiency and proving that he’s a key piece for the Knicks this season.
New York’s shooting was nothing short of sensational, with Cam Payne coming off the bench to knock down 5-of-6 three-pointers, finishing with 17 points. The team’s 20 made threes were a testament to their unselfish ball movement and commitment to finding the open man. OG Anunoby also chipped in with 16 points, further highlighting the Knicks’ offensive firepower.
Wizards Struggle to Stay Competitive
For the Washington Wizards, the loss marked their ninth consecutive defeat, and it’s clear that they are still in search of an identity. After starting the season 2-2, Washington has not been able to find any consistency, with every loss during their current streak (aside from one) coming by double digits. On Monday, the Wizards struggled defensively and were unable to keep up with New York’s explosive offense.
Bub Carrington, Jonas Valanciunas, and Corey Kispert each scored 18 points for Washington, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Knicks’ shooting barrage. The Wizards failed to get stops when it mattered most, allowing New York to run away with the game early on.
Knicks’ Energy and Focus Despite Back-to-Back Fatigue
One of the most impressive aspects of the Knicks’ performance was their energy, especially considering the fatigue that typically comes with playing the second game of a back-to-back. It would have been easy for New York to come out flat against a struggling team like Washington, but the Knicks played with intensity from the jump. Their quick start ensured that they didn’t let Washington gain any momentum, and they kept their foot on the gas pedal throughout the game.
By the time the second half rolled around, the Knicks had already built a large enough cushion that they could rest their starters for much of the final period. This was a smart move, giving their key players extra rest before heading out on a five-game road trip that begins Wednesday in Phoenix.
The Key Moment: Dadiet’s Hot Shooting Early On
The turning point of the game came in the second quarter, when reserve Pacome Dadiet hit his first two 3-point attempts. His shooting stretched Washington’s defense and allowed the Knicks to build a bigger lead. Dadiet’s back-to-back threes helped the Knicks reach 9-for-12 from beyond the arc early in the game, setting the tone for what would be an outstanding shooting performance from the team.
Key Stat: Knicks’ Dominance from Three-Point Range
One of the most telling stats of the night was the Knicks’ 50% shooting from three-point range. They made 20 threes on 40 attempts, demonstrating their offensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor. Brunson, Payne, and the rest of the team found open looks from deep, and Washington had no answers for the Knicks’ perimeter shooting. In contrast, the Wizards’ shooting from beyond the arc was far less efficient, further exacerbating their struggles on both ends of the floor.
Wizards’ Continued Struggles on Defense
Washington’s defense continues to be a major concern, particularly when it comes to defending the three-point line. New York’s ability to hit shots from deep highlighted the Wizards’ lack of defensive intensity, especially in the early stages of the game. The Wizards simply couldn’t match the Knicks’ offensive production, and their defensive woes were amplified as the game progressed.
What’s Next for the Knicks and Wizards?
Looking ahead, the Knicks will travel to Phoenix to begin a five-game road trip starting Wednesday. After a dominant win over Washington, New York will hope to maintain this level of play as they face a tough stretch of games away from home. With Brunson leading the charge and Towns playing at a high level, the Knicks will look to continue their winning ways on the road.
For Washington, the losing streak continues, and they will need to regroup before hosting the Boston Celtics on Friday. With the Wizards struggling to find consistency, they will need to focus on improving their defense and offensive flow if they hope to turn things around.
Conclusion: Knicks Take Care of Business with Convincing Win
In the end, the New York Knicks took care of business in dominant fashion. They showcased their depth, shooting prowess, and overall team chemistry in a convincing 134-106 win over the Washington Wizards. Brunson’s leadership, combined with Towns’ efficiency and the team’s sharp shooting, was too much for Washington to handle. As the Knicks head into their road trip, they’ll be looking to keep this momentum going, while the Wizards will be searching for answers to end their losing streak.
