Key Takeaways:
- Jalen Brunson netted a season-high 47 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 132-125 on Sunday
- Karl-Anthony Towns recorded just two points and six rebounds in 29 minutes, marking his lowest-scoring outing since joining New York
- Kel’el Ware led Miami with 28 points and 19 rebounds, but the Heat have now lost seven of their last eight games
Match Overview
On Sunday in New York, Jalen Brunson delivered a commanding individual display, amassing a season-best 47 points to inspire the Knicks to a 132-125 victory over the Miami Heat. The triumph improved the Knicks’ record to 20-8 overall and 14-2 at home.
Karl-Anthony Towns endured a subdued evening, contributing only two points and six rebounds across 29 minutes – his least productive scoring performance since joining the Knicks. Despite Towns’ struggles, the Knicks found contributors elsewhere, particularly from Mikal Bridges, who finished with 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
DUBSKIIIIIIII‼️
your nba all-star vote counts 3x today 👉 https://t.co/Ov3esq1i8z pic.twitter.com/EOwn5oxTj8
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 22, 2025
Key Player Contributions
Josh Hart provided a versatile performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while OG Anunoby tallied all 18 of his points after the interval. The perimeter shooting duo of Brunson and Bridges accounted for 45 of New York’s 66 first-half points; Bridges posted 18 points before half-time and the pair combined to make nine out of 13 three-pointers in the opening 24 minutes. Brunson capped the first half with a three-pointer in the final second to give the Knicks a four-point cushion at the break.
For Miami, Kel’el Ware played a leading role, compiling 28 points and 19 rebounds, including his fifth successful three-pointer during a fourth-quarter push. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added pressure by knocking down a pair of free throws that reduced the deficit to 120-118 with just over three minutes left in regulation.
Decisive Moments
After Jaquez Jr.’s free throws narrowed the gap late in the fourth quarter, the Knicks responded with a decisive 8-0 run. Bridges punctuated the sequence with a three-pointer before Brunson coolly converted three free throws following a flagrant foul, securing breathing room for the home side.
Looking Ahead
The Miami Heat, now holding a 15-14 record after losing seven of their last eight outings, will host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are set for a road contest against Minnesota, also on Tuesday.
