Brunson and Knicks Weather the Storm in the Big Easy 130-125
It wasn’t always pretty, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but the New York Knicks found a way to grind out a victory in New Orleans on Monday night. In a game that felt like a heavyweight prize fight—lots of scoring early, followed by a gritty defensive slugfest late—New York escaped the Smoothie King Center with a 130-125 win over the Pelicans.
Jalen Brunson, as he so often does, played the role of closer. With the game teetering in the balance and the crowd roaring for a Zion Williamson takeover, Brunson silenced the noise. He finished with 28 points and 10 assists, but it was his poise in the final minute that truly mattered. A driving floater, a clutch layup, and the steady hand of a leader ensured the Knicks extended their winning streak to three games.
Here is how the Knicks managed to outlast a desperate Pelicans squad.
Jalen Brunson Takes Over Crunch Time
There are moments in every close NBA game where you can feel the momentum shifting. Late in the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 117, it felt like the Pelicans were ready to break the game open. But great players stop the bleeding, and that’s exactly what Brunson did.
He didn’t just score; he controlled the tempo. After missing a 3-pointer with just over a minute left, Brunson didn’t hang his head. He tracked down his own rebound and floated in a shot to give New York a crucial three-point cushion. Moments later, after Williamson hit free throws to cut the lead to one, Brunson drove right into the teeth of the defense for a layup that felt like a dagger. It’s that kind of resilience—the ability to make the next play regardless of the last one—that separates All-Stars from the rest of the pack.
Unsung Heroes: Anunoby and Diawara Step Up
While Brunson will get the headlines, this win was far from a solo act. OG Anunoby was a force on both ends of the floor, tallying 23 points and snatching 11 rebounds. His defensive versatility was key in a second half where stops were hard to come by.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came from Mohamed Diawara. In just his third career start, he looked like a seasoned vet. He poured in 13 points in the first quarter alone, finishing with a career-high 18. When you’re on the road, getting unexpected production from your role players is often the difference between a win and a loss. For the Knicks, Diawara’s early offensive explosion kept them afloat when the Pelicans’ offense was clicking.
Surviving Zion Williamson’s Onslaught
You can’t talk about this game without acknowledging the sheer force of nature that is Zion Williamson. The Pelicans star was on a mission, scoring a season-high 32 points. He was relentless, attacking the rim, putting the Knicks’ frontcourt in foul trouble and constantly getting to the line.
At times, it looked like Williamson was simply going to will New Orleans to a victory. He had help, too—Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole each dropped 26 points, keeping the Pelicans‘ offense dangerous from the perimeter. But despite giving up 125 points, the Knicks’ defense tightened up just enough when it mattered most. They forced tough shots in the final two minutes and secured the rebounds needed to close out the game.
What This Win Means for the Knicks
This wasn’t a blowout, and there are certainly things the head coach will want to clean up in the film room. Giving up 75 points in the first half isn’t a recipe for long-term success. However, good teams find ways to win when they aren’t playing their perfect game.
Moving to 23-9 on the season, the Knicks are solidifying their place near the top of the Eastern Conference. Winning on the road against a hungry team—even one struggling like the Pelicans—builds character. It shows that this group has the mental toughness to handle adversity and execute down the stretch.
New York will look to keep the momentum rolling as they head to San Antonio on Wednesday. But for tonight, they can breathe a sigh of relief. They walked into the bayou, took the Pelicans’ best shot, and walked out with the W.
