Daily Report – 1/22/26
Knicks
There always seems to be one team that helps an ailing opponent get a much-needed win. For the Knicks, their best friends live right across the East River. In their 13th consecutive win over Brooklyn, the Knicks achieved their highest margin of victory in franchise history, winning by 54 points.
It was the 120-66 showcase of dominance the Knicks were craving, and it could not have come at a better time. This past month has not been kind to the Knickerbockers. Entering last night, they were on their second four-game losing streak in 11 games, and fresh off their worst loss of the season to Dallas on Monday. The Knicks gave up 75 points to Dallas in the first half alone on Monday. That’s nine more points than they gave up to Brooklyn in an entire game.
Against the 12-29 Nets, the Knicks could have stepped aside. They could have played down to their opponent’s level. But instead, they were careful to maintain a high level of offense while consistently getting back to defend. There were reports that Jalen Brunson had organized a players-only meeting after Monday’s loss, but Josh Hart was quick to deny those claims. Nevertheless, the Knicks worked hard all night to rekindle their winning ways.
“We just had to refocus and get back to where we are,” Brunson said.
The 66 points Brooklyn scored were the fewest by any team this season. Their highest scorer, Michael Porter Jr., was limited to 12 points. Meanwhile, the Knicks showcased one of their most balanced offensive efforts of the season. Jalen Brunson led the team with 20 points, including 11 in a 38-20 first quarter. Brunson was one of six Knicks to reach double-digits.
The Knicks more than doubled Brooklyn’s rebound total, outmuscling them on the glass with 56 boards. They also held the assists advantage, 28-15.
“I don’t know what the score will be every night,” said head coach Mike Brown. “But the things that we did out on the floor, we talked about, we drilled, we watched film on, and our guys are more than capable. So, to go see them put it together for 48 minutes was a lot of fun.”
Landry Shamet was the Knicks’ most productive scorer off the bench, draining all six of his three-point attempts. He added two assists, a pair of steals, and a block. Miles McBride followed with 14 points, and the Knicks outscored Brooklyn by 34 points during his time on the court. Karl-Anthony Towns also scored 14 points, and his eight rebounds ranked second to Josh Hart.
“It’s fun, because obviously everyone gets involved, everyone scores, but defensively, everyone brings it,” Hart said. “We have a game like this, it’s always good. Hopefully, it’s a get-right game for us. We just have to continue to build off it.”
The Knicks grew their lead to a season-high 59 points in the final minute of the fourth quarter, thanks to a shot by Mohamed Diawara. Eight of the nine players the Knicks brought off their bench reached the basket, outscoring Brooklyn’s bench by 29 points. Pacôme Dadiet was the only Knick who did not garner any buckets, but he still made it into the box score with an assist.
The Nets are the fifth-worst team in the NBA. On paper, they didn’t pose much of a threat to the Knicks. Brunson was quick to acknowledge this.
“This is a good step for us, but we’ve got to continue to press the issue of getting better every single day,” he said.
However, during their 2-9 stretch, it didn’t matter who the Knicks played. They could not find their rhythm. Hopefully, they got it back last night.
Now, the Knicks will try to carry momentum to Philadelphia on Saturday (1/24, 3 PM, 2 PM CT – ABC, ESPN App). They have already lost twice to the 76ers this season, whose best scorer, Tyrese Maxey, is averaging 30 points per game. The Knicks are going to have to find a way to keep him honest.
Cover Image Courtesy: New York Knicks, 1/22/26
