In a high-energy NBA Cup clash, the New York Knicks pulled off a thrilling 140-130 victory over the Miami Heat, fueled by standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Landry Shamet. Towns led the charge with a commanding 39 points, while Shamet came off the bench to deliver a career-best 36 points, lighting up the scoreboard and energizing the home crowd.
The Knicks faced adversity early on, missing their star guard Jalen Brunson due to an ankle injury, and losing OG Anunoby shortly after tip-off with a hamstring issue. Despite these setbacks, New York never lost their footing. After trailing by a slim margin in the second quarter, Towns sparked a decisive run with back-to-back three-pointers and clutch free throws, helping the Knicks seize control and build a halftime lead of 78-68.
Miami fought hard, with Norman Powell putting up a season-high 38 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. The Heat even surged ahead early, opening the game on a 7-0 run and maintaining a narrow lead after the first quarter. But the Knicks’ depth shone through, especially on the bench, where Shamet’s sharpshooting and Josh Hart’s all-around game—highlighted by a triple-double—kept the momentum firmly in New York’s favor.
The third quarter saw Miami close the gap multiple times, but the Knicks responded with a strong finish, entering the final period with a 110-104 edge. Early in the fourth, New York unleashed a 10-0 run, stretching their lead to 125-110 on a Shamet three-pointer. From there, the Heat couldn’t get closer than eight points, as the Knicks’ defense and scoring balance sealed the win.
This victory marks a key moment for the Knicks, who improved their NBA Cup Group C record to 1-1 and demonstrated resilience without some of their key starters. The teams will meet again soon in Miami, promising another exciting showdown.
In all, Towns’ dominance inside and Shamet’s explosive scoring off the bench were the storylines that powered New York to a memorable win over a tough Heat squad hungry for a statement victory
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.