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Jan 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) brings the ball up in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways From Knicks Historic Win Over Nets

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 1:00 PM ET

The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ New York Knicks took the fans' breath away, as the team had the most dominant night in history, whaling on the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 at Madison Square Garden.

The 54-point rout completely annihilated the team's previous largest margin of victory by 6 points, a record that had been tied three times since 1968, and it was a huge load off the back of a squad which had lost nine of its last 11 games.

The Knicks reacted emphatically to their players-only meeting after their last disheartening loss to Dallas with a strong showing on both ends of the court, notching their 13th straight win against the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌Nets.

There were six players in double figures; Jalen Brunson was the top scorer with 20 points, and Landry Shamet also stood out by sinking all six of his three-point attempts. ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌

Landry Shamet's Shooting Clinic Signals Complete Recovery

Landry‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Shamet coming off the bench with a perfect 18-point scoring night was not just another hot shooting game, but it was a genuine sign of his full recovery from the shoulder injury which kept him out of the game for weeks.

The crowd was on fire after his two consecutive three-pointers in the last moments of the first quarter which stretched the lead of New York to 38-20. It was the beginning of total domination.

New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miles McBride praised his teammate's performance, noting that "to deal with what he's had to deal with, it's a testimony to his hard work, how he prepares. We're not surprised." Jalen also added, "Happy to have him back healthy, that's the most important thing."

Defensive Suffocation Sends Season-Low Statement

Through‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ relentless defensive execution, the Knicks held Brooklyn to an NBA season-low 66 points. New York not only limited the Nets to 28.7 percent three-point shooting but also dominated the rebound battle, which led to transition opportunities, and the Knicks outscored the Nets 29-4 in fastbreak points.

The defensive effort culminated in a 16-0 run in the opening of the fourth quarter which resulted in the Knicks, who had a comfortable lead at the time.

Leadership and Perspective Define Championship Mentality

Jalen‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Brunson's composure after a historic win showed the level of a mature player necessary for a title. Instead of gloating for crushing an opponent that is rebuilding, he underlined that "this is a good step for us, but we've got to continue to press the issue of getting better every single day."

Karl-Anthony Towns echoed that sentiment, stating, "consistency is what makes champions. We've got to find that consistency of bringing this kind of intensity, energy and execution every single night."

"Consistency is what makes champions. We've got to find that consistency of bringing this kind of intensity, energy and execution every single night."

- Karl-Anthony Towns pic.twitter.com/FCnPsfp1Nc
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 22, 2026