The New York Knicks triumphed over their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, on January 21, 2025, with a narrow 99-95 victory at Barclays Center. The game showcased standout performances, especially from Karl-Anthony Towns, who filled the stat sheet with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, marking another impressive outing for the power forward.
Despite the victory, the Knicks' performance was anything but smooth. They appeared sluggish early on, allowing the struggling Nets, who now sit at 14-30 after another defeat, to make it competitive right until the end. Coach Tom Thibodeau noted their struggle, saying, "What goes on with [Brunson] is ridiculous...I’ll leave it at [that]" after Jalen Brunson failed to get the foul he sought during crunch time.
The Knicks (29-16) had controlled the game for much of the contest and led comfortably going to the fourth quarter. Yet, their offense went cold at the start of the final frame, enabling the Nets to take advantage—transforming the game from what seemed like a secure win to one fraught with tension.
With just over two minutes remaining and the Nets going on a 13-3 run, they surprisingly took the lead at 88-87 thanks to Keon Johnson’s three-pointer. The Knicks were left scrambling to reclaim control of the game. Brunson didn’t let the momentum sway for long, scoring back-to-back baskets to restore the Knicks' lead, finishing the game with 17 points, 8 of which came during the fourth quarter when it mattered most.
Knicks fans may have held their breath as the final minutes ticked down; the Nets’ D’Angelo Russell made things interesting by cutting the Knicks’ lead to two with his own three-pointer, bringing the score to 97-95 with just 52 seconds to play. The tension mounted when Brooklyn had their chance to tie and push the game to the limit. Cam Johnson, who led the Nets’ charge during the game, had the opportunity to tie things up with 15 seconds remaining but missed the 26-foot attempt.
With the Knicks securing the rebound and heading back to the free-throw line, Brunson sealed the win with two free throws, making it clear just how pivotal he was for the victory.
"These are games...good tests for us to see how truly close this team is. I’m proud of us," Towns remarked post-game, reflecting on the Knicks’ ability to emerge on top amid adversity.
This matchup marked the first time Mikal Bridges returned to Barclays Center since his trade to the Knicks back last summer. Although he faced mixed emotions during the game, he struggled to make any significant impact, finishing with only 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. For many fans, Bridges' underwhelming return was highlighted by the crowd's reaction and the absence of any notable tribute for the former centerpiece of the franchise.
For those tuning in, the highlight of the evening wasn’t solely rooted within the score. The presence of actress Sydney Sweeney at the game stole headlines and ignited social media furor. Known from the show Euphoria, Sweeney lit up the crowd with her courtside appearance—adding to the spectacle of the rivalry. Fans took to platforms, jokingly claiming her presence could have changed the outcome of the game, one humorously stating, "Ohhh boy… Career highs will be set" if she were to take part.
Both the Knicks and Nets faced their own narratives. The Knicks, continuing their push for playoff positioning, have proven all season they thrive against the lower-tier teams like Brooklyn, now boasting an impressive 11-0 record against the four worst teams in the East—namely, the Nets, Wizards, Hornets, and Raptors. Meanwhile, the Nets continue to solidify their place at the bottom of the standings, with coach Jordi Fernandez’s words echoing around them as players strive to recover from injuries and missed opportunities.
With this game marking the start of several pivotal matchups for both teams, it’s worth monitoring how they adapt moving forward. The Knicks will host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, hoping to lengthen their winning streak. On the other hand, the Nets prepare for their next bout against the Phoenix Suns as they fight to emerge from their current struggles.
Overall, the intense rivalry between the Knicks and Nets delivered yet another atmospheric showdown, but as always, the win is just part of the story as fans and players alike gear up for what’s next.