NEW YORK, NY — Mike Brown and the New York Knicks continued their dominance at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 133–120 for the team’s fifth straight win, improving to 7-3 on the season and a perfect 7-0 at home. The 7-3 record within the first 10 games of the season marks the team’s best start since 2012–13. Monday’s win also marked the first time in franchise history that New York has scored 130-plus points in three consecutive games, showing off the offense that new head coach Brown has preached since training camp.
The offense exploded early for New York, with the Knicks posting 42 first-quarter points the team’s seventh 40-point quarter of the season, the most for any team in the NBA.
The Knicks moved to 7-3 on the season with their 133-120 win over the Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on Monday night – Image Credit: NBA
Jalen Brunson set the tone early, scoring 10 points in the first quarter, while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges played as perfect complementary pieces alongside Brunson, each adding six points as New York moved the ball with precision and unselfishness, finding the open man and taking advantage of Memphis’ inconsistent defense.
On the night, Brunson finished with 32 points in 36 minutes, continuing his brilliant start to the season. Night after night, the Villanova product has stepped up for his new head coach, controlling the offense and scoring 30-plus points for the fifth time this season. His 10 assists on the night gave him his second double-double of the young season.
Additionally, with Monday’s performance, Brunson recorded 30+ points, 10+ assists and five+ rebounds for the fifth time as a Knick. He is now tied for third in franchise history with Stephon Marbury and Ray Williams.
Anunoby struggled shooting the ball, going 1-for-10 from three, but still finished with 16 points, slashing to the rim and taking advantage of Memphis foul troubles early on. The six-seven forward left his mark defensively, finishing with two steals and a team-high +24.
Brown spoke on Anunoby’s impact after the game:
“OG is an All-Star, in my opinion. Not only is he an All-Star, he’s an All-Defensive performer. He should have an opportunity, among others in our group, to fight for Defensive Player of the Year in the league.”
Bridges—becoming the best version of himself under Brown’s new offense, which highlights ball movement and quick decision-making a style of play that suits him better than anyone on the team—added 22 points in 38 minutes, shooting 3-for-9 from three.
Coming into Monday’s game, he was shooting a career-high 50% from downtown.
With Mitchell Robinson out (left ankle management), Landry Shamet got the start and did not disappoint. In 21 minutes, Shamet scored 10 points and provided an early spark for the Knicks’ offense, helping the team go on a 19-0 run to establish a lead they never surrendered or look back from. In his second year with the Knicks, Shamet has started to establish himself as a fan favorite with a level of energy that is reminiscent to Josh Hart.
His value isn’t easily quantified on a stat sheet, he’s the kind of player every team loves, unselfish, efficient, a willing and tenacious defender. The signing of Shamet will likely go down as one of Leon Rose’s most under appreciated moves, it’s the kind of addition that helps championship teams separate themselves.
Karl-Anthony Towns, without Robinson in the lineup, took full advantage of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s foul troubles and Memphis’ defensive miscues. Towns finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 3-for-8 from three-point range. It has been a slow start from deep this season for Towns, who entered Monday shooting 32.6% from three. A career 40% shooter from long range, his early-season struggles shouldn’t alarm New York. Towns has recorded a double-double in nine of his first 10 games, leading the NBA in that category.
Even with his shooting inconsistency, the Dominican-American superstar continues to prove he’s much more than a perimeter player, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable rebounders.
During the offseason, a glaring issue for New York was the bench unit’s scoring when Brunson sat. Last season, the offense ran almost exclusively through Brunson and Towns, with occasional help from Bridges or Anunoby. The signing of Jordan Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year, seemed to solve that problem though it took time for him to adjust to his new role and limited minutes.
Clarkson has now scored in double digits in four out of his last five games. On Monday, he finished with 13 points in 17 minutes, shooting 5-for-7 from the field and 3-for-5 from deep. His spark off the bench continues to be a major lift for the Knicks second unit. Clarkson 13 points off the bench, helped him pass Vinnie Johnson for 10th all-time in NBA bench scoring (since tracking began in 1968–69).
Jordan Clarkson finished with 13 points off the bench in the Knicks’ win Monday night at MSG – Image Credit: NBA
New York’s defense held firm late, frustrating Memphis and forcing Jaren Jackson Jr. to foul out in the fourth quarter. Jackson finished with 19 points, six rebounds, and five turnovers. It was another tough night for Ja Morant, who ended with 19 points and eight turnovers, finishing with a team-worst -17.
The Knicks’ 7-3 record is their best start in over a decade, and with their 7-0 home mark, New York has established itself as one of the NBA’s most efficient and balanced offenses. Brown’s new system has clearly unlocked this roster’s potential even as they’re still learning on the fly with fluid ball movement and elite spacing allowing Brunson, Towns, and Bridges to form a powerful, balanced trio.
Brunson was asked about the Knicks’ offensive rhythm postgame:
“Yeah, we’re clicking. Most importantly, we’ve got to finish games better.”
Brown echoed that sentiment:
“This offense is sensational. Everyone gets their shots in rhythm, they push the pace, move the ball, and play unselfish basketball. It’s fun to watch.”
When asked about the team’s home-court advantage early in the season, Brown added:
“Playing here at MSG, playing at home there’s no better place for our group. We fed off the energy of being here. We’ve figured it out and strung some games together because we play the right way on both ends of the floor.”
New York will look to keep its momentum going in a back-to-back matchup against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. It remains unclear if starting center Robinson will be available.
The Knicks will finish their homestand with a highly anticipated showdown against their heated rivals, the Miami Heat, on Friday night.
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