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Dec 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives past Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Three Key Takeaways from Knicks Win Over Heat

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 11:46 AM ET

Jalen Brunson erupted for a Madison Square Garden career-high 47 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 132-125. The Knicks captain showcased his scoring prowess with six three-pointers and eight assists, carrying his team to a crucial victory despite Karl-Anthony Towns' season-worst performance.

New York improved to 20-8 overall and an impressive 14-2 at home, refusing to lose consecutive games for the first time since Halloween.

The victory came with significant concerns about Towns, who managed just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 29 minutes, his fewest points since joining the Knicks. Miami held Towns scoreless for the first 25 minutes and two seconds, completely neutralizing the All-Star center.

However, Mikal Bridges stepped up with 24 points on red-hot 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, while OG Anunoby contributed all 18 of his points in the second half.

Miami's Kel'el Ware delivered a breakout performance with 28 points and 19 rebounds, including five three-pointers that kept the Heat competitive throughout. The Heat trimmed New York's lead to 120-118 with 3:12 remaining after Jaime Jaquez Jr. hit two free throws, but the Knicks responded with a decisive 8-0 run featuring a Bridges three-pointer and three Brunson free throws following a flagrant foul on Norman Powell. Miami's loss marked their seventh defeat in eight games, dropping them to 15-14.

Jalen Brunson Proves He's a True Franchise Superstar

Brunson's 47-point masterpiece wasn't just about volume, it demonstrated his ability to carry the Knicks when his supporting cast falters. With Towns completely ineffective and the Heat mounting multiple comeback attempts, Brunson delivered in every crucial moment, hitting contested jumpers and creating high-percentage looks for teammates.

His eight assists proved he wasn't forcing shots; he orchestrated the offense while maintaining elite efficiency throughout all four quarters.

The most impressive aspect of Brunson's performance was his composure down the stretch. After Miami cut the deficit to two points with three minutes remaining, Brunson personally orchestrated an 8-0 run that essentially ended the game. His ability to draw a flagrant foul and convert all three free throws showcased his veteran savvy and mental toughness. This performance marked his career-high at Madison Square Garden and reinforced why the Knicks made him their franchise cornerstone.

Towns' Disappearing Act Raises Championship Concerns

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Karl-Anthony Towns' two-point outing on 1-of-5 shooting exposed a glaring vulnerability in the Knicks' championship blueprint. For nearly the entire first half, Towns was a non-factor, going scoreless for over 25 minutes while Miami's defense suffocated him.

The Heat clearly game-planned to neutralize Towns, and he had no counter-moves or adjustments to generate offense independently of Brunson.

While Bridges and Anunoby stepped up admirably, relying on role players to compensate for a max-contract star's disappearance won't work against elite playoff defenses. Towns' frustration was visible throughout the game, suggesting mental struggles beyond simple execution issues.

If the Knicks harbor legitimate title aspirations, Towns must develop the offensive versatility to punish teams that over-commit to Brunson, especially in high-leverage playoff situations where stars must deliver consistently.

Heat's Ware Breakout Can't Mask Deeper Problems

Kel'el Ware's 28-point, 19-rebound explosion, including five three-pointers, announced his arrival as a legitimate two-way force. The young center dominated the glass while stretching the floor, a rare combination that should excite Heat fans about their future.

His ability to manufacture offense both inside and beyond the arc kept Miami competitive against a superior opponent.

However, Ware's brilliance couldn't overcome Miami's systemic roster issues and defensive breakdowns. The Heat have now lost seven of their last eight games, plummeting to 15-14 and sliding dangerously close to play-in territory. While Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. provided solid secondary scoring, Miami's lack of consistent perimeter defense allowed the Knicks to shoot an absurd 6-of-7 from three-point range through Bridges alone.

As the Heat approach the halfway point of the season, front office decisions loom large, continuing with this flawed roster construction or pivoting to build around emerging talents like Ware before the situation deteriorates further.

This article first appeared on New York Knicks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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