Knicks bench erupts as Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson combine for 60

Mack Baltes

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Knicks bench erupts as Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson combine for 60 image

The New York Knicks squared off against the Miami Heat on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in an NBA Cup matchup, but they did so without star guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who is expected to miss the foreseeable future with a Grade 1 ankle sprain, has averaged 28 points per game this season, leaving questions about where New York’s offense would come from.

New York however, had many answers to that question.

Karl-Anthony Towns took on the expected scoring burden and delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. With Brunson sidelined, Towns elevated his usage and finished with 39 points, 11 rebounds and four assists while anchoring the Knicks’ offense throughout the night.

New York also received a major boost from an unexpected source: Landry Shamet. The veteran guard erupted for a career-high 36 points off the bench, shooting 50% from beyond the arc. Shamet’s previous career best was 31 points, achieved twice with the Phoenix Suns in 2022. His scoring surge provided critical momentum in a game where the Knicks needed contributions across the roster.

Jordan Clarkson, who has been averaging a career low in shot attempts and points this season, also stepped into a larger role. The former Sixth Man of the Year looked comfortable with increased responsibility, adding 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Clarkson and Shamet combined for 60 points, marking the first time since 2021 that two Knicks bench players scored 20 or more in the same game. Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley were the last pair to accomplish the feat.

With the victory, New York improved to 8-1 at home. However, at 8-4 overall, the Knicks have yet to secure a road win. They begin a five-game trip on Monday, starting with another matchup against Miami.

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Editorial Team