Jalen Brunson’s clutch 3-pointer with 6.2 seconds left lifted the New York Knicks to a 124-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The win improves the Knicks to 6-6 on the season and 2-0 in the NBA Cup.
Brunson finished with 37 points, leading New York after nearly missing a potential game-winner in the team’s loss to Chicago earlier in the week.
OG Anunoby added 25 points, while Mikal Bridges scored 22 in a strong performance against his former team.
The game was a dramatic back-and-forth affair, especially after the Knicks had blown a commanding 21-point lead.
Brooklyn fought back, led by Cam Thomas, who exploded for 43 points—his highest total of the season and second career 40-point game at Madison Square Garden.
New York entered the final quarter with a comfortable 98-77 lead but had to withstand a late push by the Nets to secure the win.
With the score close, Brunson’s late 3-pointer and timely defense from the Knicks sealed the victory.
The Nets were already missing starting center Nic Claxton due to a lower back strain, and the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns for the Knicks due to a bruised left knee added to the intrigue.
Despite Brooklyn’s lack of size, they kept the pressure on, outscoring the Knicks in the final period.
New York out-rebounded Brooklyn 45-37 and shot 53% from the field. The Knicks also found success from the free-throw line, converting 82.1% of their attempts, including crucial shots in the final moments.
