Knicks fans take over Brooklyn as rivalry run hits 12
Barclays Center — the Brooklyn Nets’ home arena — sounded much more like a hip hop-club version of Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Knicks fans flooded the building, roaring on each possession in a derby dominance that has now become historic.
New York’s 113–100 win stretched its crosstown streak to 12 straight victories, the longest ever in the Knicks–Nets rivalry. Every Knicks bucket was met with loud cheers; Nets points drew far less enthusiasm. The message was clear: right now, New York belongs to the Knicks.
After coming so close last season to returning to the NBA Finals, the city feels ready for something special. And Monday was a reminder of why.
Big man Karl-Anthony Towns — from New Jersey with Dominican origins — poured in 37 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, bullying Brooklyn inside throughout the night. Josh Hart added 12 rebounds, once again proving he’s one of the toughest and most relentless wings on the glass. Jalen Brunson contributed 27 points, setting the tone in the backcourt.
Despite a career-high 31 from Brooklyn’s Noah Clowney (7-of-13 from deep), the Nets shot just 37.9% overall and 14-for-48 from three. They dropped to 0-8 at home and 3-14 on the season.
The Knicks were shorthanded — OG Anunoby (hamstring) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) were both out — and Miles McBride played through illness.
The Nets haven’t beaten the Knicks since January 28, 2023. The rivalry no longer feels balanced.
Karl-Anthony Towns on evolution and experience
Asked how his game has evolved and where he still wants to improve, Towns told ViaggioSport:
“I still feel youthful as hell, so I feel… I get to the rim, I think I could always jump still super high and stuff.
But experience has taught me just how to get to my spots with less work… not having to be so flashy… keeping the game as simple as possible.”
He described focusing on efficiency:
“One, two, dribble, get to the paint, make a right-hand layup, make a left-hand layup… drop step, right hook… spot-up three… get to positions, you know, just try to maximize opportunities in those spots like Bernard King did so well for the Knicks.”
And he emphasized staying faithful to the work, even when results lag:
“Never change the grind… I continue to show up to work, be the first one there, last one to leave… Tonight was a good night where… after all the shots I’ve put in with no cameras around and no lights on, you know, finally for it to go in, it feels good. And it raises the confidence.”
A rivalry owned
It wasn’t just a win.
It was a statement.
Right now, the Knicks aren’t just winning New York —
they’re making the city believe again.
