The New York Knicks delivered a statement victory Friday night, overpowering the Miami Heat 140-132 in a thrilling NBA Cup showdown at Madison Square Garden. With star guard Jalen Brunson sidelined and OG Anunoby exiting early, the Knicks leaned on a pair of unlikely heroes to notch their highest point total of the season.
Towns and Shamet Steal the Spotlight
Karl-Anthony Towns erupted for 39 points, draining six three-pointers and grabbing 11 rebounds, while
Landry Shamet came off the bench to pour in a career-high 36 points, also hitting six shots from beyond the arc. The duo’s offensive explosion proved too much for Miami, especially in a game where the Knicks were missing key contributors.
“We knew we had to step up with Jalen and OG out,” Towns said postgame.
“Everyone in this locker room believes in each other, and tonight we showed our depth.”Heat’s Powell Answers, But Knicks Pull Away
The Heat were led by
Norman Powell, who notched a season-high 38 points and hit eight threes, keeping Miami within striking distance throughout the contest.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points, while Andrew Wiggins and rookie Kel’el Ware chipped in 15 apiece.
Miami started hot, jumping out to a 7-0 lead and finishing the first quarter up 35-32. But the Knicks seized control in the second, outscoring the Heat 46-33 behind Towns’ back-to-back threes and clutch free throws. New York never trailed again, taking a 78-68 lead into halftime.
Key Runs and Turning Points
- The Heat closed the gap to 104-102 late in the third, but the Knicks responded with a 10-0 run early in the fourth, capped by Shamet’s three-pointer to push the lead to 125-110.
- Miami never got closer than eight points after that, as the Knicks’ offense continued to fire on all cylinders.
Notable Absences and Injuries
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Jalen Brunson missed his first game of the season due to a sprained right ankle suffered in Wednesday’s loss to Orlando.
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OG Anunoby exited after just two minutes with a left hamstring strain and did not return.
Despite these setbacks, the Knicks’ supporting cast stepped up in a big way.
Josh Hart recorded his first triple-double of the season (12 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), while
Jordan Clarkson and
Mikal Bridges combined for 40 points.
What’s Next: Rematch in Miami
Both teams now sit at 1-1 in NBA Cup Group C play. The Heat and Knicks will face off again in Miami on Monday, with both squads looking to gain an edge in the tournament standings.
Takeaways and Implications
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Depth matters: The Knicks’ ability to win without two starters highlights their roster flexibility and resilience.
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Offensive fireworks: Both teams showcased elite scoring, but New York’s bench production was the difference.
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Playoff preview? With both teams expected to contend in the East, this matchup could foreshadow a postseason showdown.
Basketball fans won’t want to miss the next chapter in this budding rivalry.
Sources
1. Knicks 140-132 Heat (15 Nov, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN (PH)
2. Carmelo Anthony - Wikipedia
3. HEAT at KNICKS | EMIRATES NBA CUP | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
4. BetMGM Bonus Code: ACTIONGET1 to Bet $10, Get $150 if You Win
5. New York Knicks vs Miami Heat Full Game Highlights - YouTube
6. New York Knicks Media Guide 2015-16 - Scribd
7. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
8. NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record - Buzzsprout
