Knicks Dominate Nets at Madison Square Garden
In a dominating display at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks triumphed over their borough rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, with a final score of 134-98 on Sunday evening. The victory marked the Knicks’ fourth consecutive win and established their offensive prowess right from the outset.
First Half Highlights
The game began with New York quickly taking charge, scoring four consecutive baskets after their initial miss, including two impressive three-pointers, establishing a 10-3 lead that prompted a timeout from Brooklyn’s coach, Jordi Fernandez. The Knicks exhibited remarkable shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, exemplified by their first quarter performance where they hit 7-of-11 from three-point range, with six triples originating from the corners—a strategy that has been notably effective for them this season. New York’s offense was not solely reliant on the three-pointer; they adeptly took advantage of opportunities at the free-throw line and capitalized on scoring chances inside, amassing 40 points in the opening quarter while restricting the Nets to just 22.
The second quarter saw the Knicks adapt their strategy, shifting focus from long-range shots to aggressive scoring inside the paint. Karl-Anthony Towns was particularly effective around the basket, while bench players like Jordan Clarkson and Josh Hart also contributed significantly. Meanwhile, Brooklyn found their rhythm, matching New York’s first quarter production with an impressive 40 points of their own in the second quarter, largely fueled by a flurry of three-pointers from Michael Porter Jr. Thus, both teams entered halftime with the Knicks holding a 77-62 advantage.
Second Half Performance
Post-halftime, the Knicks resumed their sharpshooting habits and displayed strong defensive efforts, limiting the Nets to just 17 points in the third quarter. Six Knicks players successfully hit three-pointers during this period, while Brooklyn struggled with their shooting, going a mere 3-for-13 from deep and only attempting four shots in the paint.
With their commanding lead, the Knicks effectively sealed the game in the second half, allowing younger players such as Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Mohamed Diawara to gain valuable experience in the closing minutes, with Diawara even scoring his first career three-pointer.
Player Highlights
Towns was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 28 points, along with securing a game-high 12 rebounds, complemented by two assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges contributed effectively as well, with an impressive shooting night of 6-for-8, including four three-pointers. OG Anunoby also showcased his skills by hitting four triples, contributing additional stats including eight rebounds and three assists.
On the other side, Brooklyn’s Drake Powell offered a strong performance off the bench with 15 points. The Knicks finished the game shooting 53.3% overall and 45.9% from three-point range, while the Nets’ shooting efficiency dipped notably in the second half, ending at 40.2% from the field and 31.1% from deep.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Knicks will continue their campaign on Tuesday when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies at home, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
