In an electrifying double-overtime showdown, the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to eight games by defeating the Denver Nuggets 134-127. The hard-fought victory showcased Jalen Brunson's exceptional performance, particularly in the decisive second overtime, where he single-handedly outscored the Nuggets, propelling his team to a significant win and marking their longest such run in over a year.
Jalen Brunson emerged as the pivotal player for the Knicks, orchestrating their offense and delivering crucial scores during the game's most intense moments. His remarkable 42 points, complemented by nine assists and eight rebounds, underpinned the Knicks' resilience. This outstanding individual effort was critical, especially in the second overtime period, where his ten points against the Nuggets' eight proved decisive. This win contributes to the Knicks' impressive season, harkening back to a nine-game winning streak observed between December 2024 and January 2025.
The game itself was a relentless display of back-and-forth basketball, characterized by 20 lead changes and 19 ties, with neither side establishing a lead greater than nine points. The tension peaked at the end of regulation when Nikola Jokic's potential game-winning three-pointer narrowly missed. Similarly, at the close of the first overtime, a foul on Christian Braun after a missed three by Murray allowed the Nuggets to force a second extra period through free throws.
Despite a strong performance from Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who achieved his 181st regular-season triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, his uncharacteristic 1-for-13 shooting from beyond the arc and 37% overall field goal percentage hampered Denver's chances. Jamal Murray contributed 39 points, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Nuggets from suffering their season-high third consecutive defeat. Key contributions for the Knicks also came from Karl-Anthony Towns, who managed a double-double despite an early injury, OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson, all reaching double-digit scores.
The intense matchup underscored the competitive nature of both teams, each vying for supremacy in a tightly contested league. The Knicks' ability to close out such a challenging encounter in double overtime speaks volumes about their current form and determination. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will look to bounce back from this tough loss and address the areas that contributed to their recent downturn, particularly their star player's shooting efficiency.
This victory not only extends the Knicks' impressive winning streak but also highlights their growing prowess as a formidable contender. The team's collective effort and individual brilliance, especially from Brunson, were instrumental in overcoming a resilient Nuggets squad, securing a memorable win that will undoubtedly boost their confidence as the season progresses.