Brunson’s night lifts Knicks over Wizards in OT thriller

The New York Knicks clawed their way to a dramatic 136-132 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards, powered by Jalen Brunson’s season-high 55 points. Despite sitting at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference and missing key players Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, the Wizards nearly pulled off a shocking upset against one of the Eastern Conference’s top 3 teams.

Washington came out strong, opening with a 16-7 lead. But as the game settled into a back-and-forth battle, neither team could create separation until late in the third quarter. With the Knicks holding a slim 85-84 lead, the Wizards exploded for a 12-0 run, seizing a 96-85 advantage heading into the final minute of the period.

The Knicks spent the fourth quarter clawing back into the game. Down 119-114 in the closing moments, Brunson delivered in spectacular fashion. His floater with 11 seconds left tied the game at 119, capping a frenetic stretch and forcing overtime.

Brunson, who erupted for an astonishing 42 points after halftime, took charge when it mattered most. In the final minute of the fourth quarter, he delivered a crucial three-point play, solidifying his role as the Knicks’ hero of the night.

“That’s the way the game was flowing. I looked up at the scoreboard, and it says 50-something.”

– Jalen Brunson

Karl-Anthony Towns added a robust 30 points and 14 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges contributed 21 points to the Knicks’ seventh straight win.

Precious Achiuwa only managed three points off the bench, but his transition poster dunk over Kyshawn George—set up by a slick pass from Landry Shamet short before halftime—ignited the Knicks’ bench and was a highlight moment.

The Wizards, despite their underdog status, fought valiantly. Justin Champagnie poured in a career-high 31 points, with Malcolm Brogdon chipping in 22. They outperformed the Knicks in rebounds, assists, blocks, and three-point shooting but couldn’t overcome New York’s dominance in the paint, where the Knicks outscored them 78-60.

Up-next: The two teams will meat again on Monday, same place, same time.