Knicks Defeated Again: Cooper Flagg Plunges New York Into Doubt

The New York Knicks experienced a nightmare at Madison Square Garden on Monday, falling heavily to the Dallas Mavericks 114-97. This fourth consecutive defeat marks a new turning point for a team that had won the NBA Cup in December and posted a 23-9 record at the end of last month.

Cooper Flagg Shines in His First Professional Game at MSG

Rookie Cooper Flagg, returning after missing two games due to a left ankle sprain, made an impression in his first professional game at Madison Square Garden. The first overall draft pick scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, showing he was fully recovered from his injury. Flagg set the tone early in the game by attacking Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint and hitting a fadeaway over him for the game’s first points.

Cooper FLAGG

18

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3

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DAL

Max Christie was the main architect of this victory with 26 points, establishing a season-high. The guard was particularly effective from 3-point range, making 8 of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc, tying the Mavericks franchise record for most 3-pointers made at Madison Square Garden. Naji Marshall also contributed with 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson leading a Knicks players huddle while being blown out by the Mavericks

(h/t @IQfor3)pic.twitter.com/cysSOTsQnn

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 19, 2026

Knicks Booed by Their Own Fans

The Knicks’ disappointing performance quickly provoked the anger of Madison Square Garden fans. Boos began in the second quarter, when the home team was already trailing by 18 points. « I’d boo too, » said Jalen Brunson after the game.

Coach Mike Brown shared his star’s sentiment: « I agree with the boos. If we play poorly, boo. If I were in the stands, I’d probably boo too. You pay a lot to come to the game. »

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Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points and 18 rebounds, while Brunson, returning from an ankle injury, added 22 points but with a low shooting percentage (9/24). Mitchell Robinson was the only bright spot for the Knicks with 12 points and 15 rebounds off the bench.

This loss brings the Knicks’ record to 25-18, but more importantly to 2 wins and 9 losses in their last 11 games. The Mavericks, despite numerous injuries, improve their record to 18-26 and string together a third consecutive victory. The Knicks will host the Brooklyn Nets next Wednesday, hoping to finally end this negative spiral that is increasingly concerning in the Big Apple.