Anunoby Drops Career-High 40 Points, But How Did the Knicks Crush the Nuggets by 27?
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The New York Knicks delivered an offensive clinic on Monday night, dismantling the Denver Nuggets 145–118 in a game that showcased career-best performances and a record-setting team effort. OG Anunoby led the charge with a career-high 40 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 23 points and a personal-best 17 assists, tying the Knicks’ franchise record of 45 assists in a single game—a mark set against Cleveland on November 24, 1979.
Knicks Dominate from Start to Finish
New York came out of the gates scorching hot, leading by 12 points at the end of the first quarter and extending the gap to 23 by halftime. By the third quarter, the lead ballooned to as many as 30 points, powered by the team’s blistering 60.9% shooting from the field. The Knicks were also lethal from beyond the arc, converting 19 of 36 three-point attempts.
Anunoby and Brunson combined for an impressive 9-of-12 shooting from deep, setting the tone for the team’s offensive onslaught. Despite the commanding lead, Knicks starters remained in the game late, emphasizing the team’s focus on maintaining intensity.
“It was just one of those nights where everything clicked,” said Brunson. “The ball movement, the energy—it all came together perfectly.”
Karl-Anthony Towns and Bench Production Shine
Karl-Anthony Towns, who was a game-time decision due to a sore calf, delivered a dominant performance with 30 points and 15 rebounds. The former Timberwolves star, acquired in a blockbuster trade on October 2, continues to prove his value for New York.
Off the bench, Russell Westbrook added 27 points, while Denver’s star Nikola Jokić was held to 22 points and a season-low seven rebounds.
Key Takeaways
For the Knicks:
– Towns Haunts Denver Again: Towns has a history of success against the Nuggets, including his role in eliminating them in the second round of the playoffs last season while with Minnesota.
– Historic Ball Movement: The 45 assists tied a franchise record, showcasing the Knicks’ ability to share the ball and find the open man.
– Brunson’s Hot Start: Brunson’s nine-point scoring run in the first quarter set the tone, outscoring Denver 9–2 during that stretch.
For the Nuggets:
– Home Struggles Continue: Denver falls to a surprising 5–4 at home this season, a stark contrast to last year’s 33–8 home record.
– Jokić Contained: Despite his usual efficiency, Jokić was uncharacteristically quiet on the boards, further highlighting the Knicks’ dominance.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks’ offensive explosion sends a strong message to the rest of the league as they continue to solidify their identity as a high-powered team. For Denver, the loss raises concerns about their consistency at home and their ability to compete against elite competition.
With Anunoby’s breakout game and the team’s record-tying assist performance, the Knicks showed their potential to be a serious threat in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses if they hope to return to last season’s dominant form.
“This kind of game builds confidence,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “It’s a reminder of what we’re capable of when we play together and stay aggressive.”
As the season progresses, the Knicks look poised to ride the momentum from this historic night into even greater success.
