Knicks Miss Brunson
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Madison Square Garden
By Andrew Rosario
The rivalry and animosity between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat is not the same as it was in the early 90’s when the two teams battled each other in the playoffs. It was head coach Pat Riley against Jeff Van Gundy. Center’s Patrick Ewing against Alonso Mourning. Forward’s Larry Johnson aganist PJ Brown. Guard’s Charlie Ward against Tim Hardaway. Both teams have had their ups and downs over the last couple of years with the Knicks getting to the Eastern Conference Finals last year while the Heat were eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Early in the 2025-26 season, they have already faced each other 3 times. The Heat hosted the Knicks on their home floor twice, coming away with two wins as the Knicks won their game at Madison Square Garden last Friday night.
New York was without guard Jalen Brunson who rolled his ankle the 133-120 win against the Minnesota Grizzlies. The Knicks saw their home win streak stoppped by the Orlando Magic in the 124-107 loss the Wednesday before. New York hosted Miami looking to get back in the win column in the first round of the NBA Cup Group Stage. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 first half points as the Knicks came away with the 140-132 win. Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson came off the bench scoring 36 and 24 points. The Knicks traveled to Miami Monday night looking carry over the momentum and avenge the earlier loss.
Despite Deuce McBride scoring 24, Mikal Bridges 23 and Towns scoring 22 and 16 rebounds, Miami held off a furious Knicks rally and came away with the 115-113 win. The Knicks were down 10 with 3 minutes to go and then went on a 11-3 run. Towns nailed a 3-pointer to get them within 1. Davion Mitchell free throws sealed the win. Aside from the team missing Brunson again, OG Anunoby was out with a hamstring issue. Miami was without Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Bridges talked about playing without Brunson. “Not too many people in the league can do what Jalen does so you can’t really just mimic what he does by subbing somebody else in,” he began. “Jalen is a great iso player, and not many guys can score like him.”
The Knicks stay on the road as they faced the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night.
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