Jalen Brunson Organizes Team Meeting After Latest Knicks Debacle 
Jalen Brunson Organizes Team Meeting After Latest Knicks Debacle
Jan 21, 2026
Nicolas Flamecourt
Knicks Crush Nets 120-66 in Franchise-Record Victory
The New York Knicks end their four-game losing streak by demolishing the Brooklyn Nets with a record 54-point margin at Madison Square Garden.
Jan 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks bounced back in spectacular fashion Wednesday night, handing the Brooklyn Nets the heaviest defeat in the New York franchise’s history (120-66). This historic victory ends a four-game losing streak and temporarily erases the doubts surrounding the team.
The 54-point margin far surpasses the franchise’s previous record of 48 points (achieved three times in 1994, 1972 and 1968). The Knicks led by as many as 59 points during the game, turning the New York derby into a true display of dominance.
HISTORY IN NEW YORK. 🗽
The Knicks just defeated the Nets by 54 POINTS, 120-66.
This is officially the largest margin of victory in Knicks franchise history. ABSOLUTE DEMOLITION. pic.twitter.com/tej4g41qFW
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) January 22, 2026
Jalen Brunson and Landry Shamet in Destruction Mode
Jalen Brunson led the charge with 20 points, but Landry Shamet stole the show with an exceptional performance: 18 points in just 15 minutes of play, with a perfect 6-for-6 from 3-point range. « We’re going through a pretty tough period and it’s not about one game now. There has to be a continuous pursuit for us to improve and grow, » Shamet said after the game.
The Knicks’ collective efficiency was remarkable with 57.5% shooting and 50% from 3-point range (16/32). Meanwhile, Brooklyn collapsed with just 29% shooting (23/79) and lost in every category: rebounds (56-27), assists (28-15) and fast break points (29-4).
A Response After the Humiliating Loss to Dallas
This demonstration came two days after the most painful defeat of the season against the Mavericks (114-97), where the Knicks were booed by their own fans after trailing by 30 points in the first half. Karl-Anthony Towns, particularly targeted by criticism on Monday, emphasized the importance of this victory: « A win. That was the most important thing, just finding a way to break the ice and get one in the left column. »
Brunson had organized a players-only meeting after the debacle against Dallas, believing the team needed to find its own solutions rather than rely on the coaching staff. The response on the court was immediate and spectacular.
This thirteenth consecutive victory against the Nets confirms the Knicks’ total dominance in this derby, but Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez took responsibility: « Tonight was even worse and I’m the only one responsible. » The Knicks know, however, that the real test awaits them Saturday in Philadelphia, facing the 76ers who have beaten them twice this season.
Quiet Night for French Players
While Nolan Traoré had been on a good run, he failed to score in 18 minutes of play, missing all 3 of his shot attempts. He finished with 3 assists though. On the winning Knicks side, Mohamed Diawara contributed 7 points on 2-for-4 shooting and 3 rebounds in under 8 minutes, while Guerschon Yabusele finished with 2 points on 1-for-3 shooting and 1 rebound in 11 minutes. Pacôme Dadiet managed just one assist in over 6 minutes.
A quiet performance that reflected the overall impact of French players on Wednesday, January 21, as only Maxime Raynaud (8 points on 3-for-7 shooting, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 22 minutes) in a Kings loss in Toronto and Moussa Diabaté (4 points on 1-for-1 shooting, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in 29 minutes) also in a loss against Cleveland, managed to make an impact.
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