Knicks Outlast Nuggets in Double-Overtime Epic; Brunson Drops 42 in Eighth Straight Win

In a contest that felt more like a late-May playoff battle than a February regular-season matchup, the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to eight games with a grueling 134-127 double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. The game was a showcase of pure resilience, featuring a head-to-head duel between two of the league's most elite offensive engines: Jalen Brunson and Nikola Jokic. While the Nuggets brought the magic of the Mile High City to New York, it was the grit of the Knicks that ultimately prevailed under the bright lights of the Garden.

Jalen Brunson was the undisputed hero of the night, logging a massive 47 minutes and finishing with 42 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Brunson was particularly lethal in the second overtime period, where he scored 10 of the team’s final points to pull away from a gassed Denver squad. His ability to navigate the Nuggets' defense in high-pressure moments continues to solidify his status as an MVP frontrunner. Supporting him was Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds despite playing much of the game with a bandage over his eye following a bloody collision in the opening quarter.

Across the floor, Nikola Jokic delivered another masterclass in efficiency, recording a triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was Jokic’s first triple-double since returning from a minor knee injury last week, and he looked every bit the orchestrator Denver needs to remain competitive. Jamal Murray also put on a show, pouring in 39 points and hitting several clutch shots to force both overtime periods. However, the Nuggets' depth was tested late as Peyton Watson exited the game with a hamstring injury, and the team struggled to find secondary scoring when the Knicks' defense tightened up in the final minutes.

The Knicks' current roster, featuring the core of Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, has become one of the most formidable units in the Eastern Conference. During this eight-game surge, New York has maintained an average winning margin of over 20 points, though this thriller proved they can also win the ugly, high-stakes games. Their defense, anchored by Anunoby and the rebounding tenacity of Towns, neutralized Denver's bench and forced several key turnovers in the extra sessions.

With the victory, New York remains comfortably near the top of the Eastern Conference standings as they head into the trade deadline. For Denver, the loss marks their third straight, a rare skid for the 2023 champions as they adjust to a rotating cast of injuries. The Nuggets will look to rebound as they return home, while the Knicks prepare for a high-profile matchup against the Warriors later this week.