The New York Knicks completed a weekend sweep of their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, with a decisive 114-104 victory on Sunday night.
Karl-Anthony Towns made an immediate impact in his return from a one-game absence, delivering 26 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists to help the Knicks overcome a resilient Nets squad. His performance came just two days after the Knicks edged out the Nets 124-122 on Friday, with Jalen Brunson’s clutch 3-pointer sealing the win in the closing seconds.
The Knicks’ offensive firepower in the victory was not solely reliant on Towns, as OG Anunoby contributed 24 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong form. Despite Towns’ absence on Friday, the Knicks managed to secure a thrilling win, showing their depth and adaptability. On Sunday, however, the combination of Towns and Anunoby proved too much for the Nets to handle, especially in a game that saw New York extend its winning streak over Brooklyn to eight consecutive matchups.
While Jalen Brunson struggled with his shot, finishing with just 12 points on 3-for-14 shooting, he made his presence felt as a playmaker, dishing out 10 assists. His ability to create for teammates helped open up opportunities for the Knicks, even when his own offense wasn’t clicking. Mikal Bridges led the charge for Brooklyn, scoring 21 points in a losing effort, while Josh Hart had an impressive all-around performance for the Knicks, contributing 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
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Brooklyn’s offense was led by Cam Johnson, who had 22 points, but the Nets struggled to keep pace with the Knicks, particularly in the second half. The loss was the third straight for Brooklyn, highlighting ongoing challenges for the team. Despite flashes of brilliance from Johnson and Bridges, the Nets were unable to contain New York’s size and defensive pressure, which played a major role in the game’s outcome.
One of the most noticeable mismatches in this game was the Knicks’ physical size advantage. With Dorian Finney-Smith, a 6-foot-7 forward, filling in as Brooklyn’s starting center due to injuries, the Nets simply did not have the size to compete with the 7-foot Towns in the paint. The Knicks were able to dominate the boards and control the paint, particularly in the second half, where they turned a tight game into a comfortable lead.
The key moment in the game came midway through the third quarter when Brunson, who had been scoreless up until that point, finally found his rhythm. His jumper with 9:11 left in the third ignited a 12-4 run that gave the Knicks a 76-66 lead. From there, New York kept a comfortable lead, never allowing the Nets to get within striking distance as they cruised to another city rivalry win.
Defensively, the Knicks made crucial stops to contain the high-scoring Cam Thomas. After Thomas exploded for 43 points on Friday night, New York did a better job of limiting his production, holding him to just 16 points on 4-for-11 shooting. The Knicks’ defensive strategy was clearly focused on preventing Thomas from having another big night, and they succeeded in neutralizing his impact, which was key to their success.
The Knicks’ ability to win comfortably without significant contributions from Brunson speaks to their depth and defensive versatility. While Brunson will undoubtedly play a leading role on most nights, the team’s balance and size were too overwhelming for Brooklyn in this contest. The Knicks’ ability to lock down defensively and secure crucial rebounds, especially with Towns back in the lineup, was a major factor in the win.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, is facing a tough stretch. Injuries have forced them to adjust their rotation, and the absence of traditional big men like Nic Claxton has hurt their ability to match up with larger teams like the Knicks. Without a legitimate center to defend Towns or Anunoby, Brooklyn struggled to contain New York’s frontcourt, which dictated the tempo of the game.
The takeaway from this game is that while Brooklyn’s star players like Bridges and Johnson are capable of carrying the load, the Nets need more support from the rest of their roster to compete against teams with the Knicks’ size and defensive prowess. Injuries have certainly complicated their lineup, and until they get healthy, they’ll need to find ways to counter teams that can overpower them inside.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will return to the court on Monday to host the Washington Wizards, while the Nets will stay at home, facing the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Both teams are looking to build momentum as the season progresses, with the Knicks hoping to continue their winning streak and the Nets needing to bounce back from their recent struggles.
This win was another step in the Knicks’ pursuit of playoff positioning, as they continue to build on their impressive depth and defensive identity. With Towns and Anunoby leading the way, and Brunson playing the facilitator role when necessary, the Knicks look like a team that can contend in the competitive Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Brooklyn faces a challenging road ahead but will look to regroup and find a way to address their current deficiencies.
