The [New York Knicks](https://www.postingandtoasting.com) (43-24) were favored to win when they hosted the Miami Heat (29-39) tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks had won both of their previous match-ups, and the Heat had lost seven straight. If you only caught the first quarter, you might not believe it, but New York did indeed put the Floridians in a stranglehold after that and collected the win, 116-95.
A game that saw Josh Hart record his eighth triple-double of the campaign (tying Walt Frazier’s single-season Knicks’ record) started uhhh-gly for our heroes. The Heat owned the paint and hit big shots from deep. The Knicks played sloppy, coughed up possessions, and got blocked left and right. They could barely scrape together 18 first-quarter points, while Miami racked up 29. _Yeesh._
In the second frame, the Knicks clawed back. Karl-Anthony Towns caught fire, hitting 15 consecutive points _en route_ to totals of 23 points and seven rebounds.
OG Anunoby finished the night with nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, but he made some big plays to help rally the club. Finally getting into a groove, New York cut into their deficit by forcing turnovers and attacking the rim. A Duncan Robinson three kept the Heat ahead, but New York was right there, down 49–47 at the half. Robinson would lead his team with 22 points, thanks to five triples.
Building off their strong second quarter, New York blew the game open in the third and scored 41 points. It was Mikal Bridges’ turn to pile on the points, and his 15 points in the frame matched Miami’s total output. Bridges finished the night with 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting in one of his finer offensive performances of the season.
In support, Josh Hart packed his stats, and Mitchell dominated the glass (10 points and nine rebounds for the big fella tonight!). Miami had no answers. Turnovers piled up for the Heat—eight in the quarter—and New York ran wild in transition. A Landry Shamet triple capped a monster quarter, and the Knicks carried an 88-64 lead into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was smooth sailing, with early appearances by Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Anton Watson. What a reversal from the opening of this one—and what a treat to see Miami lose eight straight times for the first time in Eric Spoelstra’s coaching career.
### **Up Next**
Professor Miranda is sharpening his pencils and preparing your proper recap. Meanwhile, back-to-back games are upcoming—the first in San Antonio on Wednesday, and then another in Charlotte on Thursday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.
[Box Score](https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-nyk-0022400984/box-score)