The New York Knicks faced the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2025. They played without guard Jalen Brunson, who was sidelined due to a sprained ankle. Early in the game, the Heat’s OG Anunoby exited with a left hamstring strain.
KAT and Shamet Propel Knicks to Victory
Despite the challenges, Karl-Anthony Towns and Landry Shamet led the Knicks to a 140-132 victory, marking their second game in the NBA Cup group stage. Towns shone with an impressive performance, scoring 39 points, 31 of which came in the first half alone.
Game Highlights
- Knicks’ offensive rating with Brunson: 123.1 (best in NBA)
- Rating without Brunson: 110.3
- Towns shooting: 11-for-16 (field goals) and 6-for-10 (3-pointers)
- Shamet scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half.
Coach Mike Brown emphasized the team’s resilience amid injuries, saying, “It’s about the next man up.” Towns’ aggressive start paved the way for Shamet, who contributed significantly in the latter half. He scored 30 points on 10-for-14 shooting after halftime, thus reinforcing the Knicks’ offense.
Anunoby’s Injury Concerns
Anunoby’s quick exit raised concerns for the Knicks, especially with Brunson already out. Averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, Anunoby completed 74 games last season, matching his career high. A scheduled MRI is expected to determine the severity of his injury.
While the Knicks dealt with injuries, their strong performances showcased their depth and adaptability. The team is poised to navigate this stretch, as they continue to embrace their playing standards to achieve ongoing success.
