Key takeaways

• The Knicks dominated from the opening tip, leading by double digits after one quarter
• New York shot over 60 percent from the field and hit 20 three-pointers
• Brooklyn offered little resistance and fell to 1–9 on the season
• Balanced scoring and strong defense fueled the blowout at Madison Square Garden

The Knicks rout Nets in one of the most lopsided games this season. From the first whistle, New York played with energy. Meanwhile, Brooklyn looked flat and outmatched. The 36-point loss dropped the Nets to a 1–9 record. Fans left Madison Square Garden stunned. Yet, the home crowd cheered every basket. Clearly, this game showed the gap between the two teams. As a result, New York climbed to 6–4 on the year. Surprisingly, Brooklyn never came close to a comeback.

How the Knicks Rout Nets from the First Quarter

First, the Knicks raced out to a quick 15-point lead. They pressed on defense and forced early turnovers. Second, New York moved the ball with purpose. They found open shooters in the corners. Third, their big men controlled the glass. Meanwhile, the Nets struggled to make a shot. They missed 10 of their first 12 attempts. Consequently, coach Steve Nash had no choice but to call a timeout. After the break, the Nets briefly tightened their defense. However, they still trailed by 14 when the first quarter ended. By halftime, the gap reached 22 points.

Balanced Offense Fuels Knicks Success

New York did not rely on one star player. Instead, the whole roster contributed. Julius Randle scored in double digits early. Then, Jalen Brunson took over in the second quarter. Immanuel Quickley hit three triples in the third quarter. Throughout the game, the Knicks shared the ball. They recorded 32 assists compared to Brooklyn’s 18. Moreover, they shot an impressive 62 percent from the field. As a result, the offense never faltered. Even the bench supplied energy and scoring. Altogether, seven players finished with at least 12 points.

Defensive Pressure Keeps Nets Stuck

On the other end, the Knicks rout Nets defense made life tough. New York closed passing lanes and doubled ball handlers. Consequently, Brooklyn coughed up 18 turnovers. In transition, the Knicks scored 28 fast-break points. Furthermore, the Nets could not stop dribble penetration. The interior defense collapsed on drives, forcing bad shots. After halftime, Brooklyn looked demoralized. They scored only 40 points in the second half. Ultimately, the Nets shot under 40 percent overall and hit fewer than 10 threes.

Nets Struggle Extends to Season Record

Brooklyn entered with hopes of a turnaround. Yet, they have lost nine of ten games. The team lacks consistency on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they have struggled to find reliable shooters. Defensively, they have allowed too many easy baskets. Injuries and lineup changes have not helped. Meanwhile, the Knicks rout Nets game exposed those flaws. It also highlighted New York’s growing depth. At this stage, the Nets face an uphill battle. They will need a major shakeup to reverse this skid. Until then, they risk falling further behind in the standings.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams

For the Knicks, this win boosts confidence. They will travel to Miami next, seeking back-to-back wins. Coach Tom Thibodeau will aim to keep his stars fresh. Meanwhile, he may test new lineups off the bench. As for Brooklyn, they return home to face Toronto. That contest offers a chance to snap the losing streak. Yet, they must fix core issues in offense and defense. Otherwise, another defeat may follow. Ultimately, both teams will learn key lessons from this blowout.

Final Thoughts

This game will be remembered as one of the season’s largest blowouts. The Knicks rout Nets by 36 points demonstrated New York’s firepower. At the same time, it magnified Brooklyn’s struggles. As the season plays out, both teams face contrasting paths. One looks poised for a playoff push. The other fights to avoid falling behind early.

FAQs

How did the Knicks manage such a big lead so quickly?

Their defense forced turnovers and sparked fast breaks. On offense, they moved the ball smartly and shot well.

What changes can the Nets make to bounce back?

They need more shooting depth, better ball movement, and stronger interior defense.

Which Knicks player stood out the most?

While several players shone, the balanced scoring effort made the biggest impact.

How will this result affect team morale?

The Knicks gain confidence, while the Nets face growing pressure to improve. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/09/nets-lose-play-rookies-nba/