Karl-Anthony Towns dominated with 44 points and 12 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson sparked in the second half with 18 of his 22 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 116-107 comeback win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Despite Tyler Herro’s 34 points, the Knicks had too much star power going for them. What ultimately decided the game was the momentum shift in the third quarter when the Knicks finished on a 30-10 run, transforming a 70-57 deficit into an 87-80 lead that the Heat could not overcome. Following an impressive performance by the title-contending Knicks, we provide a grade for each of the players who competed last night.
Karl-Anthony Towns: A+
Stats: 44 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 17-25 FG, 4-5 3-PT FG, 6-6 FT, 39 mins
Karl-Anthony Towns was unstoppable, scoring a dominant 44 points on efficient 17-of-25 shooting while adding 13 rebounds and two assists. His 4-for-5 performance from beyond the arc highlighted his versatility and shooting prowess. Towns carried the Knicks’ offense, especially during their third-quarter comeback, showing why he’s a game-changer in high-stakes situations. Only Jamal Crawford (52), Carmelo Anthony (50), and RJ Barrett (46) have scored more than Towns as a Knicks player against the Heat. No doubt, Towns gets an east A+ for one of the best performances of his career.
Jalen Brunson: A
Stats: 22 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 6-18 FG, 3-7 3-PT FG, 7-8 FT, 36 mins
Superstar point guard Jalen Brunson came alive in the second half, where he scored 18 of his 22 points, sparking the Knicks’ comeback with clutch baskets. He also dished out 9 assists, demonstrating his value as a floor general, although he struggled a bit with his shot at 6-of-18 from the field. Brunson’s leadership and ability to get to the line (7-of-8 free throws) were essential in securing the win, and there is no doubt he looks to be on track to making another All-NBA Team selection.
Josh Hart: A-
Stats: 10 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 4-7 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 42 mins
Josh Hart’s impact was felt on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds while adding 10 points and 6 assists. He contributed in every facet, including on defense, where his hustle and one steal made a difference. Hart’s relentless energy, particularly on the glass, gave the Knicks the second chances they needed to keep momentum against Miami. Hart will be critical for the Knicks this season whether he starts or comes off the bench. His play on both ends of the court has to be respected because he competes every single night and has been doing it for a few years now.
Mikal Bridges: B
Stats: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 6-16 FG, 4-11 3-PT FG, 1-2 FT, 40 mins
Mikal Bridges chipped in 17 points and was active on defense, with 2 steals and 2 blocks. He also recorded 6 assists, showing he could create for others despite his shooting struggles, going 6-of-16 overall and 4-of-11 from three. Bridges’ two-way presence helped the Knicks in their comeback, but improving his efficiency would make him even more valuable. Regardless, Bridges was a major factor in 40 minutes of action and the Heat struggled to deal with the multiple players playing well last night.
OG Anunoby: B
Stats: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 36 mins
OG Anunoby was efficient, scoring 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc while adding 3 rebounds and 2 steals. His defense was strong, and he hit timely shots, especially in the Knicks’ third-quarter run. While not the focal point offensively, his 3-point shooting and defense provided critical support to the Knicks’ stars. Anytime Anunoby competes on defense like he has been over the past few seasons, he will normally receive at least a B grade.
Miles McBride: C+
Stats: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3-8 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 25 mins
Miles McBride brought energy off the bench with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. His 2 steals and 1 block showed his defensive effort, though his 3-of-8 shooting and 2 turnovers showed room for improvement. McBride’s hustle and timely shooting were helpful, but consistency will be key for him moving forward as he becomes one of the best fire-starters as a sixth or seventh man off the bench.
Cameron Payne: C
Stats: 0 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 12 mins
Cameron Payne went scoreless on 0-of-1 shooting but managed to contribute with 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 12 minutes. Although he didn’t impact the game as a scorer, his playmaking was a nice boost off the bench. Payne’s passing was helpful, but he’ll need to find his shot to provide the Knicks with a well-rounded offensive threat.
Jericho Sims: N/A
Stats: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 9 mins
Sims only played nine minutes but made the most of it with 2 points on his single field-goal attempt and 3 rebounds. His limited time on the floor kept his impact minimal, but he did his part on the boards and finished efficiently. For Sims to see more minutes, he’ll need to bring an increased defensive presence.
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