Knicks dominate Grizzlies with back-to-back 143-point performances

The New York Knicks put on another offensive showcase at Madison Square Garden, dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies 143-106. With consecutive games of 143 points, the Knicks outclassed a Grizzlies team that came into the game riding a six-game winning streak and boasting a top-five record.

Mikal Bridges led the way with 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, adding 6 assists and exceptional defense on Ja Morant, who was held to just 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting in his first game at MSG since 2022.

This one was all about the Knicks’ second-half dominance. After a balanced first half where Memphis erased an early 11-point deficit to trail just 55-52 with 1:43 left before halftime, the Knicks flipped the switch. They scored 12 straight points with a momentum carried into a scorching second half.

Leading 81-68 midway through the third quarter, the Knicks went on a devastating 16-2 run, blowing the game wide open. They ended the quarter with a 42-32 advantage before delivering an even more spectacular final act, outscoring Memphis by 19 in the fourth. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Grizzlies were left in the dust.

Karl-Anthony Towns was a force inside, tallying 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 20 points and 6 assists. Bridges was the standout on both ends of the floor, not only leading the Knicks in scoring but also neutralizing Morant, the Grizzlies’ star. Morant’s struggles were a key factor in Memphis’ inability to stay competitive after halftime.

“He’s a superstar. He’s an offense unto himself. Some shots he just missed that were good shots for him that didn’t go in. But I thought our team really worked together and I really like the effort Mikal put forth. It’s not an easy job. There’s constant pressure when Ja has the ball and he plays incredibly fast.”

– Tom Thibodeau on Ja Morant

The Knicks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, forcing the Grizzlies into 26 turnovers, which translated into a whopping 36 points. On the flip side, New York committed just 11 turnovers, allowing only 14 points off those miscues.

Their passing game was on full display, with 32 assists, solidifying their status as a team that thrives when sharing the ball. In games where the Knicks dish out 30 or more assists, they now boast an incredible 18-1 record.

The bench was another highlight, delivering a season-best 52 points. Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa each scored 14 points, while Cameron Payne added 11. The wide distribution of minutes saw every bench player getting playtime, a rare luxury for coach Tom Thibodeau, who also kept his starters’ minutes in check—none played more than 34 minutes.

The Knicks’ dominance extended across the board. They outscored the Grizzlies 70-60 in the paint and held a commanding 31-9 edge in fast break points. On the boards, they were relentless, grabbing 53 rebounds to Memphis’ 38.

The Grizzlies had few bright spots, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 21 points and Desmond Bane adding 16, but the team was overwhelmed by New York’s pace and precision.

For the Knicks, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. Back-to-back 143-point performances, suffocating defense, and bench depth all came together in what might be their most complete game of the season.

Up-next: Knicks (31-16) will host the Nuggets (28-18) on Wednesday from 7:30pm.