Jalen Brunson recorded 30 points and 15 assists as the New York Knicks defeated the Denver Nuggets 122-112 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
OG Anunoby added 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to help New York improve to 32-16.
The Knicks capitalized on Nikola Jokic’s early foul trouble, building an 18-6 lead and controlling the game from start to finish.
Jamal Murray scored a game-high 33 points for Denver, but the Nuggets dropped to 0-3 on their five-game road trip.
Jokic managed 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists but struggled to make an impact after picking up two quick fouls within the first two minutes.
Russell Westbrook contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Nuggets, who have given up at least 122 points in each of their last three games.
New York’s high-paced attack resulted in 25 fast-break points and 23 points off turnovers, helping them secure their fifth consecutive win. The Knicks shot nearly 52% from the field.
Murray kept Denver within range in the third quarter, scoring from all areas of the floor, but New York responded with balanced scoring to stay ahead.
Brunson orchestrated the offense, setting up teammates while also hitting timely shots, including a three-pointer that gave the Knicks a double-digit lead in the fourth.
Anunoby’s perimeter shooting and defensive presence made a difference, as he finished 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.
Michael Porter Jr. struggled for the Nuggets, managing only nine points on 3-for-8 shooting. Aaron Gordon added 15 points, while Christian Braun came off the bench to score 13, but Denver’s defense continued to be an issue.
The Knicks outscored the Nuggets 33-26 in the fourth quarter, shutting down any comeback attempt by the reigning champions.
New York’s depth proved valuable, with Miles McBride scoring 12 points off the bench and Precious Achiuwa chipping in eight.
The loss dropped Denver to 28-19, as they continue to struggle away from home.
