Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Knicks massacre the Grizzlies at the Garden with blowout win

Forcing 26 turnovers from the opposing offense, New York relied on a flawless second half to secure their fourth consecutive victory.

Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks (31-16) hosted the Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) at Madison Square Garden on Monday (January 27) and showed no mercy to their opponents. Both teams entered the game tied for third place in their respective conferences in the NBA‘s regular season. The representative from the East came out on top, winning 143-106.

This was the first time the Knicks — who beat the Sacramento Kings 143-120 on Saturday (January 25) — scored 140 points in two consecutive games since 1965. New York forced an impressive 26 turnovers from the Grizzlies, converting them into 36 points. Additionally, the Knicks set their season high for bench points, with 52.

21-11 run to close the first 〽️

END Q1 | MEM 31, NYK 34 pic.twitter.com/PIunbEMXhc
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 28, 2025

Mikal Bridges finished as the top scorer, with 28 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Karl-Anthony Towns followed closely behind, recording 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Brunson had 20 points and six assists, while OG Anunoby finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and six steals. Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa each contributed 14 points, and fellow reserve Cameron Payne added 11 points.

On the Memphis side, Jaren Jackson Jr. managed 21 points, and Desmond Bane added 16. Ja Morant had a quiet night, finishing with only ten points and five rebounds. With the exception of Jaylen Wells, all of the Grizzlies’ starters committed at least three turnovers each. Off the bench, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke both scored in double digits, with each finishing with ten points.

The Game

Displaying excellent chemistry in their offensive plays, Towns and Bridges began by dominating the matchup. The Grizzlies tried to impose their physicality on defense, but they ended up giving up numerous free throw opportunities to their opponents. By forcing turnovers in succession and being relentless in transition, the Knicks built a ten-point lead.

At this point, Brunson was already running the offense, and after a beautiful dribble around Wells, he nailed a three-pointer to extend the lead. The visitors could only react once both teams brought in their reserves. Winning individual battles and scoring in the paint, the Grizzlies finished the first quarter trailing by just 34-31.

Also Read:

SKY MILES 🛫@deucemcb11 pic.twitter.com/ENfFFw0OPa
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 28, 2025

However, it didn’t take long for New York to push their lead back into double digits. The duo of Towns and Bridges once again proved decisive, particularly capitalizing on second-chance points and transition plays. On the other side, Aldama stepped up for the Grizzlies, helping to keep them in the game by matching the offensive rebounds. At halftime, though, the home team remained in control, leading 60-52.

Coming out of the locker rooms, the Knicks were overwhelming. Towns opened the second half with a precise perimeter shot and a tough drive to the basket, using his strength to power through the defense and score a floater. The team then began to force turnovers, leaving the visitors without an answer. Brunson hit two consecutive three-pointers, and the lead surged to 27.

The Grizzlies did manage to cut into the deficit, mainly during surprising moments of rest given to the Knicks’ key players by coach Tom Thibodeau. As a result, they entered the final quarter trailing by 18. But the fourth quarter became a true show for New York, with dominant dunks on the fast break and several three-pointers, pushing the lead to 34 points.

Next Games for the Knicks and Grizzlies

PAIR OF HUGE SLAMS IN NEW YORK 🗽

Achiuwa & McBride throw down MASSIVE dunks in the 4th to cap off a brilliant @nyknicks win! pic.twitter.com/ClYwtoACsB
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025

On Wednesday (January 29), the Knicks will face another top team from the Western Conference — the Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, on Thursday (January 30), the Grizzlies will look to bounce back against the Houston Rockets in the fourth and final meeting between the teams in the regular season. So far, Memphis has lost all three of their previous matchups.