Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
New York KnicksOpen full analysis
The New York Knicks defeated the Denver Nuggets 134–127 on February 4 at Madison Square Garden, with Jalen Brunson's 42 points leading a balanced offensive attack that shot 50 percent from the field and connected on 18 three-pointers. Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points as the Knicks' offensive rating of 121.4 proved decisive against Denver's 109.6, despite the Nuggets' Jamal Murray scoring 39 and Nikola Jokić contributing 30 points. The game played well below the 228.5 Vegas total, with New York's third-quarter surge—33 points—providing the critical margin; Denver outrebounded the hosts 51–45 and matched them in assists with 29 each, but the Nuggets' 14 turnovers and 8 steals allowed proved costly. The Knicks' suffocating defense, which held Denver to 43.8 percent shooting and just 13 three-pointers, underscored New York's ability to contain elite offensive talent at home. The victory reinforces the Knicks' status as Eastern Conference contenders while highlighting Denver's vulnerability on the road.
