Jalen Brunson delivered a season-high 47 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 132-125 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. The win lifted New York to 20-8 overall and 14-2 at home.
Brunson carried the offense during a game in which Karl-Anthony Towns had a limited impact. The All-Star center finished with two points and six rebounds in 29 minutes, his lowest scoring output since joining the Knicks.
With Towns scoreless for the first 25 minutes, New York relied heavily on its perimeter scoring. Brunson and Mikal Bridges combined for 45 of the Knicks’ 66 first-half points.
Bridges scored 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting from three-point range, providing critical spacing throughout the night. Josh Hart added 13 points and 10 rebounds, while OG Anunoby scored all 18 of his points in the second half.
New York led by four at halftime after Brunson drilled a three-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Knicks shot 55 percent from the field and 53 percent from beyond the arc for the game.
Miami stayed within striking distance behind a dominant performance from Kel’el Ware. The Heat big man posted 28 points and 19 rebounds while making five three-pointers.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Ware helped Miami trim the deficit to 120-118 with 3:12 remaining. Ware’s fifth three-pointer and two free throws from Jaquez capped the rally.
The Knicks responded with an 8-0 run that swung the game back in their favor. Bridges connected on a three-pointer, and Brunson added three free throws following a flagrant foul to extend the margin.
Brunson finished 15-of-26 from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 at the line, adding eight assists without committing a turnover. His scoring stabilized New York during every Miami push.
The Heat fell to 15-14 and have now lost seven of their last eight games. Miami shot 49 percent from three but could not generate enough stops late.
New York closed the game by winning each of the final three quarters. The Knicks outscored Miami 102-88 after the opening period.
The Heat will host Toronto on Tuesday night. The Knicks head to Minnesota on Tuesday to open a road trip.
