NEW YORK – The New York Knicks reasserted their dominance in the city’s NBA rivalry with a convincing 121-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. This win marked their first triumph at Barclays Center since December 2019, snapping a six-game losing streak in Brooklyn.
Julius Randle led the charge with 26 points, and Donte DiVincenzo added a significant 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Immanuel Quickley contributed 19 points off the bench, and Jalen Brunson had a well-rounded performance with 16 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. The Knicks’ win is particularly noteworthy as it comes after three consecutive victories against the Nets following the trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last season.
Reflecting on the victory, Julius Randle remarked, “Everything’s back to normal, I guess,” underlining the significance of reclaiming bragging rights in the New York rivalry.
The Knicks showcased superior energy and control throughout the game. DiVincenzo’s shooting from beyond the arc and Josh Hart’s 10 points and 13 rebounds off the bench were instrumental in their dominant performance. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s preparedness, refusing to let the schedule serve as an excuse.
For the Nets, Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson each scored 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their fourth consecutive loss. Mikal Bridges struggled with his shooting, going 4 for 21 and finishing with 15 points. The Nets’ shooting woes were evident from the start as they missed 11 of their first 13 shots, allowing the Knicks to establish an early double-digit lead.
The Knicks widened the gap further in the third quarter, opening the second half with an 11-0 burst for a 71-51 lead. DiVincenzo’s contribution during this period was crucial in maintaining the momentum and keeping the Nets at bay.
Brooklyn attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 84-77, but the Knicks responded with decisive scoring runs to secure their lead. The final quarter saw the Knicks extend their advantage, effectively sealing the victory.
Injury woes for both teams were a subplot of the game. The Knicks announced the loss of Jericho Sims to a right ankle sprain, with Isaiah Hartenstein stepping into the starting lineup. The Nets continued to miss Ben Simmons due to a pinched nerve in his lower back, with an update on his condition expected in two weeks.
UP NEXT
The Knicks look to maintain their momentum as they host the Milwaukee Bucks in a two-game series starting Saturday, including a Christmas Day matchup. The Nets aim to bounce back as they host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. This game highlighted the Knicks’ depth and resilience, with significant contributions from both starters and bench players, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in rivalry games.
