NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Knicks triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets 93-92 on Friday night, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 26 points and 15 rebounds, despite the team facing a 13-point deficit in the first half.
Jalen Brunson contributed 17 points, while OG Anunoby added 16. The Knicks’ victory extends their winning streak against the Nets to 14 games, a record in the New York rivalry, with the Nets’ last win occurring on January 28, 2023, before significant roster changes.
Game Highlights
In a thrilling finish, the Knicks initially fell behind by 13 points in the first half but managed to turn the game around. They led by as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter before the Nets staged a comeback, going on a 17-0 run to take an 87-84 lead with 3:33 remaining.
Towns and Brunson responded with a combined eight points, pushing the Knicks ahead 92-87 with just over a minute left. A last-minute attempt by the Nets to secure a win fell short when Ben Saraf missed a 45-footer at the buzzer.
Rivalry Tensions
The game featured moments of heightened tension, including technical fouls assessed to Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Brooklyn’s Ziaire Williams after a confrontation involving a hard foul. Anunoby and Nic Claxton also received technicals after a heated exchange late in the third quarter.
Despite the rivalry’s recent one-sidedness, this matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, culminating in an intense finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Upcoming Matches
Following this victory, the Knicks will host the Washington Wizards on Sunday, while the Nets will travel to face the Sacramento Kings on the same day. Both teams aim to build momentum as the season progresses.