Mikal Bridges bounced back in spectacular fashion, leading the New York Knicks to a dominant 118-85 victory over the injury-ravaged New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
Bridges, who sat out the fourth quarter in Friday’s win over Charlotte, responded with a scorching performance, scoring 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. The victory marked the Knicks’ seventh win in their last 10 games, further solidifying their strong form.
Karl-Anthony Towns was a force in the paint, finishing with 14 points and a staggering 19 rebounds, 17 of which came in the first half. His physical presence on the boards helped New York dominate the rebounding battle, outmuscling the Pelicans 60-42. Jalen Brunson added 16 points, and Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, contributing to a well-rounded offensive effort.
New Orleans, on the other hand, struggled mightily without key players. Missing Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, and Herbert Jones, the Pelicans lacked firepower and cohesion. CJ McCollum led New Orleans with 13 points, while Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi added 11 each, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their eighth consecutive loss and 14th defeat in 15 games.
The Pelicans’ offensive woes were apparent from the start. They managed just 28 points in the first half, shooting a dismal 35-for-94 from the field and an even worse 4-for-27 from three-point range. The Knicks’ defense was relentless, forcing tough shots and capitalizing on New Orleans’ lack of rhythm.
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New York set the tone early, holding New Orleans to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. During a brutal nine-minute stretch, the Pelicans missed 15 consecutive shots and were outscored 23-1. By the end of the period, the Knicks had built a commanding 33-10 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach before it even began.
Towns’ rebounding dominance was a key factor, especially in the first half. His 17 first-half boards not only stifled second-chance opportunities for the Pelicans but also fueled fast breaks and gave the Knicks a significant edge in transition. New York’s ability to control the glass was a decisive element in their success, as they consistently limited New Orleans to one-and-done possessions.
The Pelicans’ shooting struggles were historically bad. Their four made three-pointers on 27 attempts underscored their inability to generate offense from deep. According to Elias Sports Bureau, New Orleans’ franchise record for fewest points in a first half is 23, a mark set on December 12, 2010, against the Philadelphia 76ers. While they avoided setting a new low, their 28-point first half was alarmingly close.
This latest defeat extended New Orleans’ road woes, dropping them to 1-10 away from the Smoothie King Center. Their lone road victory came back on October 25 in Portland. If they hope to salvage their season, the Pelicans will need to find answers quickly, particularly as they conclude their three-game road trip in Atlanta on Monday night.
For the Knicks, this victory showcased their depth and defensive prowess. With Bridges rediscovering his shooting touch and Towns anchoring the paint, New York looks poised to maintain their momentum. Up next, the Knicks host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in an NBA Cup game, a matchup that promises to test their recent surge against one of the league’s hottest teams.
While the Pelicans continue to battle injuries and inconsistency, the Knicks are finding their stride. Sunday’s win was a statement, not just for their record, but for their confidence heading deeper into the season.
