Knicks Aim to Extend Dominant Homestand Against Struggling Nuggets
The New York Knicks are in the midst of a historic scoring run, while the Denver Nuggets are searching for answers defensively as both teams prepare for a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
New York’s five-game homestand has started in record-breaking fashion, while Denver, in the middle of its longest road trip of the season, is reeling from consecutive defeats.
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Knicks’ Historic Scoring Surge
The Knicks (6-6 vs. playoff teams) have opened their homestand with back-to-back 140+ point performances, marking their most prolific offensive stretch in nearly 60 years.
- 143-120 win vs. Kings (Saturday)
- 143-106 win vs. Grizzlies (Monday)
This marks the first time since December 1965 that New York has hit 140+ points in consecutive games. In that historic stretch, the Knicks beat the Baltimore Bullets (150-127) and San Francisco Warriors (141-137).
Dominant Defensive Play
It’s not just offense—New York’s defensive intensity has also been impressive.
- The Knicks forced 20 steals against the Grizzlies—the second-most by any NBA team this season (Atlanta had 22 vs. Toronto on Dec. 29).
- New York outscored Memphis 83-54 in the second half, holding the Grizzlies to just 17 points in the third quarter.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team’s collective effort:
“We had to be tied together. I loved our overall activity. Our defensive energy was terrific—big-time, multiple-effort game.”
With upcoming home games against the Lakers (Saturday) and Rockets (Monday), the Knicks will continue to test themselves against top-tier competition.
Nuggets’ Defensive Collapse
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (33-16) are struggling to contain opponents. Denver has surrendered a staggering 262 points in its last two losses:
- 129-121 loss to Bulls (Monday)
- 133-110 loss to Timberwolves (Sunday)
This marks the Nuggets’ worst defensive two-game stretch since October, when they gave up 264 points in consecutive overtime games.
Fourth-Quarter Meltdown vs. Bulls
Denver held a 10-point lead in the third quarter against Chicago but collapsed down the stretch:
- Allowed 34 fourth-quarter points
- Chicago shot 54.2% (13-of-24) from the field
- Bulls hit 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) in Q4
Head coach Michael Malone was blunt in his criticism:
“We messed with the game. We let them hang around, and they drove the ball down our throats—drive-and-kick three, drive-and-kick three. All because we couldn’t guard the ball or wouldn’t get back.”
Denver has now lost two straight for the first time since December 25-27 and will look to avoid its first three-game losing streak since February 2024.
Nikola Jokić’s Brilliance Overshadowed
Despite Denver’s struggles, three-time MVP Nikola Jokić continues to dominate.
Against Chicago, Jokić posted a historic triple-double:
- 33 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists
- Became first player ever to shoot 10-of-10 FG in a first half while recording at least 8 assists.
While Jokić’s brilliance keeps the Nuggets competitive, their defensive issues could spell trouble against a Knicks squad firing on all cylinders.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Knicks’ Defense vs. Jokić
- The Knicks will need Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein to contain Jokić in the paint.
- Expect double-teams and physical play to disrupt Denver’s offensive rhythm.
2. Can the Nuggets Fix Their Perimeter Defense?
- The Nuggets allowed seven Bulls players to score in double figures—a major red flag.
- If New York’s Mikal Bridges (28 points vs. Memphis) and Jalen Brunson get hot from deep, Denver could be in trouble again.
3. Momentum vs. Desperation
- The Knicks are surging, aiming for a third straight dominant win.
- The Nuggets are desperate, looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak in nearly a year.
Prediction & Outlook
The Knicks’ momentum, defense, and home-court advantage give them a strong edge, but Jokić remains the ultimate X-factor. If Denver’s defense doesn’t tighten up, expect New York to continue its historic run and secure another statement victory at Madison Square Garden.
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Final Score Prediction: Knicks 125, Nuggets 116
Will New York’s dominant run continue, or can Jokić carry Denver back on track? Tip-off is set for Wednesday night in what promises to be a thrilling battle.