What to Think of the Nets Disgusting Blowout Loss to the Knicks
Going into Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks all-star point guard Jalen Brunson called a players’ only meeting after losing 10 of their last 12 games. This player’s only meeting must have woken up the Knicks internally, as New York looked unstoppable, defeating Brooklyn by 54 points in a 120-66 victory. The Knicks’ win comes as the second-largest win in the NBA this season, and the Nets’ 66 points are the lowest finishing point total of the year. New York will look to get back on the right track after this win; however, they cannot become too overconfident after defeating one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. For Brooklyn, multiple questions arise regarding the franchise's direction and future.
The Knicks Looked Menacing in Their 54 Point Win
New York shot 58 percent from the field and 50 percent from downtown. Their 56 rebounds showed how great this Knicks team can be when all the pieces are clicking. They showed it all, from great passing to right shot selections, and menacing defense. In just 24 hours, the narrative has changed from the Knicks struggling and should look to trade assets come the NBA Trade Deadline, to this team still has the capabilities of winning an NBA Championship. 13 out of 14 Knicks that played ended up scoring, with their all-star point guard in Brunson leading the team with 20 points, while Landry Shamet has shown to be a potential trade asset to a key piece in the rotation after heating up for 18 points in 15 minutes. If the Knicks can play with the same energy every night, New York will be a menacing opponent for any franchise.
Nets Need Change Asap
It’s abundantly clear that the Brooklyn Nets franchise is in complete shambles and has no true direction heading forward. Although they own the rights to their 2026 first-round draft pick, it’s going to take more than one great player to change the organization around. Michael Porter Jr. is easily Brooklyn’s best player this season, and he finished Wednesday’s game against New York with just 12 points. The Nets need some sort of change, and they need it as soon as possible. Whether that’s trading for a disgruntled star or rebuilding the roster with top-tier young talent. Something needs to be done during the offseason, as this team will not find any success keeping the roster it has now. During the loss, the Nets shot 29 percent from the field, 28 percent from deep, and collected just 27 rebounds compared to the Knicks’ 56. This team just got embarrassed in the most famous arena in the world; they need to look internally and figure out how to come back from this disgusting loss.
Can the Knicks Maintain the Success?
Heading into their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers, everyone’s going to focus on whether the Knicks have what it takes to dismantle other Eastern Conference foes. So far this season, the Sixers have defeated the Knicks twice, where Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Philly’s rookie VJ Edgecombe have looked like a dominant trio. The 76ers are currently sixth in the East. New York doesn’t have to win by 50; however, another tremendous win could show the doubters this team knows when to adjust and pick up the slack when the bad spotlight shines their way. Another win could start to set the Knicks apart from other top Eastern Conference contenders.
How Do the Nets Come Back from This Loss?
The next game for the Nets will be on Friday in Brooklyn against the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn will face another top team in the East, as even without Jayson Tatum in the lineup, the Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference with a 27-16 record. In front of their home crowd, the Nets must play the best game of their season thus far after this abysmal loss on Wednesday night. If this team looks to come back from a disgusting blowout loss, they must put on a show against one of the league’s best teams. Every Nets player needs to be motivated and should have the same fire the Knicks did on Wednesday night on Friday.
