New York overcame a third-quarter collapse with a 28-11 fourth-quarter performance, improving to 3-4 on the season.
The New York Knicks extended their winning streak against the Brooklyn Nets to 15 games Monday night, overcoming a late third-quarter deficit before taking control in the fourth quarter. After letting a nine-point lead slip away, the Knicks responded with a dominant finish, outscoring Brooklyn 28-11 over the final 12 minutes to secure the victory.
Brooklyn entered the night having lost 14 straight games to its crosstown rival and playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Nets, the youngest team in the NBA, leaned heavily on Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., who account for roughly 35% of the team’s shot attempts.
The Knicks came out with an aggressive defensive approach, frequently sending double teams on drives and post-ups to disrupt Brooklyn’s offense. After falling behind 7-3, New York responded with a 10-0 run, highlighted by two early three-pointers from Jalen Brunson.
Brunson caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down three of his first four attempts as the Knicks went 6-for-14 from three in the opening quarter. The perimeter shooting was an encouraging sign for a team that had struggled from deep during the first two weeks of the season. Head coach Mike Brown has consistently emphasized increasing the team’s three-point volume, with a goal of approaching 20 makes on a strong shooting night.
New York carried a 27-21 lead into the second quarter, but its offense quickly went cold. Brooklyn capitalized on missed shots and second-chance opportunities, opening the quarter with a 12-0 run to reclaim the lead.
The Nets also received a boost from their young backcourt. Nolan Traore knocked down all three of his attempts from beyond the arc in the first half, finishing with 11 points, while rookie Mikel Brown Jr. added seven off the bench.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns made his presence felt on the glass, collecting 10 rebounds before halftime. However, he struggled to find his rhythm offensively and remained scoreless through the first two quarters.
Landry Shamet provided a major spark for New York’s second unit, leading the Knicks with 14 first-half points. Despite their shooting struggles inside the arc, the Knicks stayed afloat through their perimeter shooting and trips to the free-throw line, converting 15 of 16 attempts.
New York took a 51-44 advantage into the break.
Towns finally got on the board in the third quarter with an and-one, but the Knicks’ familiar third-quarter struggles resurfaced. Turnovers and defensive breakdowns allowed Brooklyn to climb back into the game, particularly around the basket, where the Nets consistently drew fouls and generated momentum.
Porter Jr. caught fire during a pivotal stretch, knocking down multiple three-pointers as Brooklyn put together a 13-0 run. The Nets eventually took a one-point lead with three minutes remaining in the quarter before closing on a 19-6 run to take a 79-75 advantage into the fourth.
With Mikal Bridges struggling to find his shot, finishing just 1-for-7 from the field, Brown leaned more heavily on Shamet, who had already reached 20 points off the bench.
The Knicks needed a response, and they got one from an unlikely combination.
Brown opened the fourth quarter with Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Towns, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. The group immediately changed the game’s momentum. Hart and Anunoby knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to reclaim the lead, forcing Brooklyn to call a timeout.
New York never looked back.
The Knicks opened the quarter on a 16-2 run, with Hart making an impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive energy, rebounding and playmaking helped ignite the offense, while Clarkson provided another timely three-pointer. Anunoby also connected from deep to keep Brooklyn on its heels.
Perhaps most encouraging was how New York managed the turnaround without Brunson on the floor. The Knicks put together a 15-point swing during his extended rest, an encouraging development for a team that needs consistent production beyond its star point guard.
Hart, who had played just 18 minutes through the first three quarters, became one of the biggest difference-makers down the stretch. Whether disrupting Brooklyn defensively, finding open teammates or creating opportunities for himself, his energy helped New York regain control.
The Knicks eventually stretched their lead to 14 points with two minutes remaining, holding Brooklyn to just 11 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
It was a much-needed response after another uneven third quarter. While the Knicks have shown flashes of how dangerous they can be this season, consistency remains a work in progress. Tuesday’s finish, however, offered an encouraging glimpse of what this team can accomplish when its defense, ball movement and supporting cast come together.
The victory improves New York to 3-4 on the season and extends its dominance over Brooklyn to 15 consecutive games. The Knicks will return to action Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, a team they defeated last week.
