OG Anunoby delivered the best performance of his career, dropping 40 points as the New York Knicks cruised to a dominant 145-118 win over the Denver Nuggets.
The Knicks showcased unselfish play, matching their franchise record of 45 assists—set in 1979—led by Jalen Brunson, who had 17 assists to go along with 23 points.
The Knicks came out firing, shooting 60.9% from the field and building a lead as large as 30 points. New York’s starters stayed in late despite the comfortable margin, keeping the pressure on a Denver squad that struggled to contain them.
Knicks in Command Behind Brunson and Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns, playing through a sore calf, delivered a monster game with 30 points and 15 rebounds, continuing his recent dominance against the Nuggets. Towns, who joined the Knicks in a blockbuster trade earlier this season, shot an efficient 12-of-15 from the floor and provided a strong interior presence.
The Knicks’ offensive explosion was fueled by their hot shooting from deep, hitting 19-of-36 from three. Anunoby and Brunson combined to go 9-for-12 from long range, punishing Denver’s defensive lapses.
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Denver’s Struggles
The Nuggets were led by Russell Westbrook, who scored 27 points off the bench, while Nikola Jokic added 22 points but managed only seven rebounds, his lowest output on the glass this season. Denver’s typically reliable home-court advantage faltered, as the team dropped to a surprising 5-4 at Ball Arena—a stark contrast to last year’s dominant 33-8 home record.
Takeaways
Knicks:
Towns continued his dominance over Denver, a team he helped eliminate in last season’s playoffs while with the Timberwolves. The addition of Towns has paid dividends for New York, both in terms of scoring and rebounding. Meanwhile, Anunoby’s breakout game emphasized the team’s depth, and Brunson’s career-high in assists showcased his ability to orchestrate the offense masterfully.
Nuggets:
Denver’s defense struggled to contain New York’s ball movement, allowing 45 assists and nearly 61% shooting. Jokic’s uncharacteristically quiet night on the boards, combined with Denver’s inability to slow down New York’s shooters, highlighted ongoing concerns about their consistency at home this season.
Key Moment
In the first quarter, Brunson went on a solo scoring spree, dropping nine straight points to push the Knicks’ lead to double digits. His 9-2 run not only broke open the game but set the tone for New York’s dominant night.
Key Stat
The Knicks’ offense was unstoppable, with Anunoby and Brunson combining to shoot 9-of-12 from three. Overall, New York hit 19-of-36 from beyond the arc, using precision shooting to dismantle Denver’s defense.
What’s Next?
The Knicks (11-6) will travel to Dallas on Wednesday night to face the Mavericks, while the Nuggets (9-7) embark on a two-game road trip starting in Utah the same evening.
With Anunoby’s breakout performance and Towns continuing to thrive, the Knicks look poised to extend their six-game win streak. Denver, on the other hand, needs to regroup quickly to maintain their place in a competitive Western Conference.
