The Knicks looked terrible for three quarters on Monday night. They played down to the Brooklyn Nets, who are struggling with just one win. But then the defending champions woke up in the final period. OG Anunoby caught fire while Josh Hart provided a huge spark, according to the New York Post.
The Knicks turned a four-point deficit into a ten-point lead in about five minutes. They finished with a convincing 103-90 victory at Madison Square Garden. This win marks their 15th straight victory over the Nets since 2023. The gap between these two teams has never been this wide.
The Fourth Quarter Explosion
For the first half, the game was a slopfest from both sides. The Knicks shot only 36 percent but held a seven-point lead thanks to free throws. Jalen Brunson and Landry Shamet were the only bright spots until the end. The Nets found a rhythm after the break, winning the third quarter 35-24.
Michael Porter Jr. led the charge for Brooklyn. But Mike Brown responded with a new lineup featuring Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson. With only 11 points scored in the fourth quarter, the Nets collapsed entirely. During the opening six minutes of that final period, Anunoby netted eight of his 18 points. Karl-Anthony Towns ended the game with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Brunson had 19 points, though he was inefficient on 6-for-16 shooting.
A Dead Rivalry
This interborough matchup used to be a powerful rivalry when the Nets moved to Brooklyn. Now it carries the juice of a steamrolled grape. The Knicks have always dominated attention in New York City. It has never been more lopsided than in 2026, the year of James Dolan’s first title.
The Nets have become an afterthought under GM Sean Marks. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2021. There is little hope Marks’ latest incarnation will break that streak. Julius Randle forced the issue and often missed, shooting 5-for-16 for a team-high 21 points. Only three minutes of the second half saw Mikal Bridges. His output was six points from 1-for-7 shooting from the field.
The Knicks are 3-4 while the Nets sit at 1-6. Randle and Michael Porter Jr are two win-now veterans currently on Brooklyn, but they are surrounded by a roster that cannot stop the bleeding. The Nets need to find a way to compete or admit this experiment is over. The Knicks proved they are the only team in town that matters right now.
