In a dramatic clash on Friday night, Jalen Brunson’s go-ahead 3-pointer with just 6.2 seconds left lifted the New York Knicks to a nail-biting 124-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
After squandering a commanding 21-point lead, the Knicks held their ground in the final seconds, improving to 2-0 in the NBA Cup with a hard-fought win that came down to the wire.
Brunson, who had missed a potential game-winning shot in a loss to the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week, showcased his resilience and made the key shot when it mattered most. With the game hanging in the balance, his clutch three-pointer not only sealed the win but also capped off an impressive 37-point performance. Brunson’s all-around effort proved vital, and his composed play in the final moments gave the Knicks the edge.
While Brunson was the hero, the win wasn’t without drama. The Knicks’ commanding lead evaporated as the Nets mounted a furious comeback. By the end of the third quarter, New York was ahead by 21 points, leading 98-77 with 30 seconds remaining in the period. However, Brooklyn’s relentless push brought them right back into contention, setting the stage for a tense fourth quarter and a dramatic finish.
In addition to Brunson’s heroics, OG Anunoby contributed 25 points, helping to keep the Knicks afloat as Brooklyn charged back. The versatile forward provided crucial scoring while also locking down defensively. Mikal Bridges, playing against his former team, added 22 points to the Knicks’ total. His late-game defense, including a partial block on Dennis Schroder’s layup attempt in the final moments, played a critical role in New York’s ability to hold onto their slim lead.
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Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas was the story of the night for the Nets. The young guard exploded for a career-high 43 points, continuing his impressive start to the season with his ninth 40-point game. It was the second time Thomas had reached the 40-point mark at Madison Square Garden, and his performance nearly carried Brooklyn to an unlikely win. However, despite his stellar offensive outing, the Nets couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Nets were already playing shorthanded without starting center Nic Claxton, who is expected to miss at least a week due to a lower back strain that required an epidural injection. Brooklyn’s lack of size was evident throughout the game, and they were outrebounded 45-37 by the Knicks. This size disadvantage made it difficult for the Nets to secure enough second-chance opportunities, and it was one of the key factors in their eventual defeat.
The Knicks also had a notable absence in their lineup. Starting center Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined for the game due to a bruised left knee, further complicating New York’s interior presence. Despite Towns’ absence, the Knicks were able to hold on to their lead, thanks in part to their balanced offensive attack and key plays down the stretch.
A pivotal moment in the game came with 4:15 remaining, when Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez challenged a call on a ball that was ruled out of bounds off Dorian Finney-Smith. Upon review, officials determined that Anunoby had fouled Finney-Smith before the ball went out, resulting in Anunoby’s sixth foul and disqualifying him from the game. This foul trouble left the Knicks without one of their top defenders for the final stretch, adding to the tension of an already tight contest.
As the game wound down, it became clear that every possession would matter. The Knicks had missed an opportunity to secure a more comfortable margin, a detail that could come into play for tiebreaker purposes in the NBA Cup tournament. With the victory, the Knicks moved to 2-0, keeping their hopes alive in the early stages of the competition, but the close nature of the game underscored how important each result would be moving forward.
The Knicks’ ability to hold on to a victory in such a chaotic game speaks to the growth and resilience of this team. With a solid mix of established veterans and emerging stars, New York has shown the ability to compete at a high level. The team will need to tighten up their execution, especially with leads in hand, but the win is a promising sign for the road ahead.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will have a chance to build on this victory when they face the Nets again on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The court will be back to its usual color after the tournament game on Friday, and New York will be looking to make it two straight wins over their city rivals. With their early-season success in the NBA Cup, the Knicks are proving they can handle pressure in tight games—and they’ll need to carry that momentum into their next contest.
In the broader picture, Friday’s matchup also marked a significant milestone in the ongoing rivalry between the two teams. The Knicks reclaimed the lead in the all-time series with a 108-107 edge, giving them another small victory in the battle for city bragging rights. With both teams navigating injury challenges, it’s clear this rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the NBA this season.
In the end, the Knicks’ gritty victory over the Nets on Friday was a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA season. With star performances, critical plays, and an intense rivalry on full display, the game encapsulated everything that makes the league so thrilling. For New York, it’s a win that feels especially sweet—and one that could set the tone for the rest of the NBA Cup.
