The New York Knicks ended a series of four defeats by inflicting a correction on their neighbors the Brooklyn Nets in their Madison Square Garden lair (120-66). The franchise’s previous record of 48 points was set in 1968, 1972 and 1994.
Jalen Brunson was the most prominent with 20 points, in a one-sided game. The Knicks took control in the first quarter (38-20) before widening the gap in spectacular fashion, with a lead of up to 59 points.
A reaction was expected by their demanding public following the heavy defeat recorded Monday at home against Dallas (114-97). Very critical after this setback, coach Mike Brown publicly challenged his players to “do their job”, after conceding 75 points in the first half against the Mavericks.
The message has clearly been heard. “Just seeing us play at our best, seeing them give everything for 48 minutes, was very nice,” Brown said after the loss inflicted on the Nets.
Third in the East, the Knicks, eliminated in the Conference final last season, see this success as a starting point. “We had to refocus and become ourselves again,” summed up Jalen Brunson.
