🏀 Knicks 113, Nets 105: Shamet, Bench Lead Comeback in Regular Season Finale
In a game where stars were sidelined but pride remained very much in play, the New York Knicks closed their regular season with a resilient 113-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center.
Despite missing Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and giving Mikal Bridges the briefest of cameos to maintain his ironman streak, the Knicks’ reserves rose to the occasion, turning a nine-point third-quarter deficit into an assertive road win thanks to a 17-0 game-changing run.
New York finishes the regular season with an impressive 51-31 record, clinching the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and setting up a first-round playoff series against the sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons. The Nets, meanwhile, end a disappointing campaign at 26-56, their worst record since 2016-17.
Bench Mob Bonanza
This game was all about the bench — and Landry Shamet was its conductor.
Shamet, who saw inconsistent minutes throughout the season, exploded for a season-high 29 points, hitting 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. His hot shooting was perfectly timed, helping the Knicks erase Brooklyn’s early lead and then build a cushion they would not surrender.
Joining him in the offensive surge was Cameron Payne, who contributed 21 points and three 3-pointers, while Miles McBride added 17 points and eight assists, doing an excellent job as floor general in Brunson’s absence. Precious Achiuwa chipped in 18 points, and every Knick who took the court (apart from Anton Watson and Bridges) scored.
For a team missing its usual scorers, the ball movement and perimeter shooting stood out. The Knicks shot 14-of-35 from three (40%) and moved the ball with fluidity, registering 24 team assists.
Turning Point: The 17-0 Blitz
Brooklyn looked poised to spoil the Knicks’ final regular-season outing, building a 79-70 lead midway through the third quarter. Then the wheels came off.
A free throw from Payne and a technical foul on Nic Claxton ignited New York’s rally, followed by a flurry of fast-break buckets and three-pointers. McBride and Payne combined for 10 points during the run, with Shamet drilling a pair of deep balls to cap it.
By the time the dust settled, New York had turned a nine-point deficit into an 87-79 lead, and they wouldn’t trail again.
The Nets stayed within touching distance — led by Tyrese Martin and Trendon Watford, who each posted 20 points and seven rebounds — but never recaptured the momentum.
Brooklyn’s Breakdown
This marked the final outing of a dismal season for the Nets, one marred by injuries, inconsistent rotations, and a post-All-Star slide that left the team floundering in the East.
Jalen Wilson (18 points) and Keon Johnson (14 points, nine rebounds, four assists) showed effort, while Drew Timme and Marcus Bagley also contributed off the bench. But despite all five Nets starters scoring in double figures, there was no answer for New York’s perimeter firepower or their defensive intensity in the second half.
The Nets finish the year losing five of their last six and nine of their final 12 games, prompting an offseason that will likely see significant changes both on the court and possibly within the coaching staff.
Betting Review: What Hit from Our America Bet Preview?
In our original America Bet match preview, we flagged this as a tricky game to bet due to resting starters — but we correctly anticipated that New York’s depth and composure would give them the edge.
✅ New York Knicks to Win — ✔ Correct
✅ Total Points Over 215.5 — ✔ Hit comfortably (218 total)
✅ Landry Shamet Over 14.5 Points — ✔ Cleared with room to spare (29 points)
❌ Game Decided by 5 Points or Fewer — ✘ Miss (final margin: 8)
✅ Brooklyn Nets to Win First Half — ✔ Hit (led 56-52 at halftime)
❌ Nic Claxton Double-Double — ✘ Close (12 points, but only 5 rebounds)
✅ Cameron Payne Over 15.5 Points — ✔ Solid return with 21
✅ Game to Be Tied at Half-Time — ✘ Miss, though it was close
Overall, the predictions leaned heavily into bench performance and undervalued Brooklyn’s early-game competitiveness — resulting in a mostly successful slate for bettors who followed our guidance.
What’s Next?
For the Knicks, the postseason is here. A first-round series with Detroit awaits — a team that won the regular-season series and will pose a different challenge with Cade Cunningham expected back. Still, New York’s ability to win without their stars, and the development of players like McBride, Shamet, and Achiuwa, should instil confidence in Tom Thibodeau’s squad.
For Brooklyn, it’s a long offseason ahead. The franchise must assess its young talent, re-evaluate the direction of its rebuild, and determine what it will take to return to competitiveness in a tightening Eastern Conference.
But on Sunday, the Knicks owned the spotlight — and made it clear that this team, from top to bottom, is ready to battle in the playoffs.
