Imagine a basketball game so one-sided, it rewrites the history books. That’s exactly what happened when the New York Knicks demolished the Brooklyn Nets 120-66, snapping their four-game losing streak in the most dominant fashion imaginable. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a triumphant comeback for the Knicks, or a glaring indictment of the Nets’ current state? Let’s dive in.
On Wednesday night, the Knicks didn’t just win—they dominated. Jalen Brunson dropped 20 points, while Landry Shamet went a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc, adding 18 points to the scoreboard. The Knicks’ lead ballooned to a staggering 59 points at one stage, ultimately settling on a 54-point victory—the largest margin in franchise history, surpassing their previous record of 48 points. And this is the part most people miss: This wasn’t just a win; it was the Knicks’ 13th consecutive victory over their crosstown rivals, a streak that began after the Nets traded away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in early 2023.
The Knicks’ performance was a stark contrast to their recent struggles, having lost nine of their last 11 games. For the Nets, it was another low point in a season that’s seen them lose eight of their last nine games. Michael Porter Jr., despite leading the Nets with 12 points, shot a lackluster 4-for-14 from the field, highlighting the team’s offensive woes. Just two days prior, the Knicks were on the receiving end of boos from their own fans while trailing the Mavericks by 30 points in the first half. Fast forward to Wednesday, and the scoreboard was telling a very different story.
The Knicks set the tone early with a 14-0 run in the first quarter, taking an 18-6 lead. They closed the quarter with another 14-3 spurt, fueled by Shamet’s back-to-back 3-pointers, to lead 38-20. By halftime, the Knicks were up 60-38, and they showed no mercy in the second half, outscoring the Nets 60-28. The fourth quarter opened with a 16-0 run, pushing their lead to an insurmountable 104-56.
Here’s the controversial question: Is the Knicks’ dominance a testament to their potential as NBA Finals contenders, or simply a reflection of the Nets’ lottery-bound struggles? This season, the Knicks have been aiming for the top, while the Nets seem to be rebuilding from the ground up. Their previous meeting on November 9 saw the Knicks win 134-98, which was Brooklyn’s worst loss of the season—until Wednesday’s blowout.
Looking ahead, the Nets host Boston on Friday, while the Knicks visit Philadelphia on Saturday. But the bigger question remains: Can the Nets turn their season around, or will the Knicks continue to dominate this rivalry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this the start of a Knicks resurgence, or just a blip in the Nets’ rebuilding journey?
