Knicks Defeat Rockets 124-118 in a Thrilling Comeback at Madison Square Garden

New York Knicks


The New York Knicks secured a crucial victory over the Houston Rockets with a 124-118 win on the night of February 3, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The matchup was highly competitive, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. However, an explosive fourth quarter by the home team, in which they scored 46 points, sealed the win and electrified the crowd. Jalen Brunson was the standout performer of the night, leading the Knicks with 42 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, playing a key role in the team’s comeback.

With this victory, the Knicks improved their record to 33 wins and 17 losses, strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Meanwhile, the Rockets, who had been on a strong run this season, now stand at 32-17, remaining competitive in the Western Conference. Despite the loss, Amen Thompson was a bright spot for Houston, contributing 25 points and 9 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to stop the Knicks’ late-game surge.

The game started off evenly matched, with the Rockets holding a slight advantage in the first three quarters. The opening period ended 27-25 in favor of Houston, and they maintained their lead at halftime, going into the break ahead 57-52. The Rockets extended their lead to 89-78 by the end of the third quarter. However, in the final period, the Knicks exploded offensively, scoring an impressive 46 points against the Rockets’ 29, securing the comeback victory.

Knicks Dominate Fourth Quarter to Secure the Win

The Knicks’ performance in the final quarter was the turning point of the game. Jalen Brunson spearheaded the team’s offense with clutch shooting and key assists. Mikal Bridges also had a solid outing, scoring 18 points and making crucial defensive plays. Josh Hart contributed with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and relentless energy in the closing minutes.

On the other hand, the Rockets struggled to handle the Knicks’ pressure in the fourth quarter. Despite a strong showing from Amen Thompson, Houston’s lead quickly vanished. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who had been effective earlier, failed to maintain their offensive rhythm in the decisive moments. Turnovers were also a significant issue for the Rockets, as they committed 17 throughout the game, which played a crucial role in their downfall.

Another factor that worked against Houston was their lack of free-throw attempts. The Knicks capitalized on their chances at the line, making 24 of 30 free throws (80%), while the Rockets only had 15 attempts, converting 14 (93.3%). This disparity gave New York extra scoring opportunities and made it difficult for the Rockets to regain momentum in the closing moments.

Game Stats

  • Jalen Brunson (NYK): 42 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists
  • Amen Thompson (HOU): 25 points, 9 rebounds
  • Mikal Bridges (NYK): 18 points, 5 assists
  • Josh Hart (NYK): 12 points, 7 rebounds
  • Dillon Brooks (HOU): 15 points, 4 rebounds
  • Jalen Green (HOU): 16 points, 5 assists

Key Factors in the Knicks’ Victory

  • Dominance in the Fourth Quarter: The Knicks scored 46 points in the final period, breaking through Houston’s defense with ease.
  • Free Throw Efficiency: New York made 24 of 30 free throws, while Houston attempted only 15 in the entire game.
  • Fewer Turnovers: The Knicks committed just 14 turnovers compared to Houston’s 17, maximizing their possessions.
  • Brunson’s Clutch Performance: The point guard led the way with 42 points and 10 assists, playing a pivotal role in the comeback.

Impact on Standings

This win strengthens the Knicks’ standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race, improving their record to 33-17 and positioning them among the top teams. For the Rockets, the loss was a missed opportunity to close in on the Western Conference leaders. Now at 32-17, Houston falls slightly behind the Memphis Grizzlies (33-16) in the Southwest Division.

As the regular season progresses, both teams face important upcoming challenges. The Knicks will take on the Boston Celtics in a critical Eastern Conference showdown, while the Rockets will face the Dallas Mavericks in a crucial matchup that could impact their playoff positioning.

Upcoming Games

  • New York Knicks: vs. Boston Celtics on February 5 (home game).
  • Houston Rockets: vs. Dallas Mavericks on February 6 (away game).

Interesting Facts About the Game

  • Jalen Brunson recorded his second 40+ point game of the season.
  • The Knicks scored more than 45 points in a single quarter for the first time this season.
  • Before this matchup, the Rockets had won three of their last five meetings against the Knicks.
  • The Knicks now have a 65.3% win rate at home this season (18-9).
  • This was the Knicks’ largest fourth-quarter comeback of the season.

Game Timeline

  • 1st Quarter: Rockets take a slight lead, 27-25, with a strong start from Jalen Green.
  • 2nd Quarter: Houston extends their lead to 57-52 at halftime.
  • 3rd Quarter: Rockets widen the gap, leading 89-78 going into the final period.
  • 4th Quarter: Knicks explode offensively, scoring 46 points and securing the 124-118 victory.

Key Game Statistics

  • Field Goal Percentage: Knicks – 50.5% | Rockets – 46.2%
  • Three-Point Shooting: Knicks – 23.1% | Rockets – 28.6%
  • Turnovers: Knicks – 14 | Rockets – 17
  • Rebounds: Knicks – 40 | Rockets – 50
  • Points in the Paint: Knicks – 80 | Rockets – 68

The Knicks’ victory showcased their ability to perform under pressure, with Jalen Brunson stepping up in a crucial moment. Meanwhile, the Rockets must address their fourth-quarter struggles and turnovers to remain competitive in the Western Conference. As the season heads toward its final stretch, every win and strategic adjustment will be vital in the playoff race.



The New York Knicks secured a crucial victory over the Houston Rockets with a 124-118 win on the night of February 3, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The matchup was highly competitive, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. However, an explosive fourth quarter by the home team, in which they scored 46 points, sealed the win and electrified the crowd. Jalen Brunson was the standout performer of the night, leading the Knicks with 42 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, playing a key role in the team’s comeback.

With this victory, the Knicks improved their record to 33 wins and 17 losses, strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Meanwhile, the Rockets, who had been on a strong run this season, now stand at 32-17, remaining competitive in the Western Conference. Despite the loss, Amen Thompson was a bright spot for Houston, contributing 25 points and 9 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to stop the Knicks’ late-game surge.

The game started off evenly matched, with the Rockets holding a slight advantage in the first three quarters. The opening period ended 27-25 in favor of Houston, and they maintained their lead at halftime, going into the break ahead 57-52. The Rockets extended their lead to 89-78 by the end of the third quarter. However, in the final period, the Knicks exploded offensively, scoring an impressive 46 points against the Rockets’ 29, securing the comeback victory.

Knicks Dominate Fourth Quarter to Secure the Win

The Knicks’ performance in the final quarter was the turning point of the game. Jalen Brunson spearheaded the team’s offense with clutch shooting and key assists. Mikal Bridges also had a solid outing, scoring 18 points and making crucial defensive plays. Josh Hart contributed with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and relentless energy in the closing minutes.

On the other hand, the Rockets struggled to handle the Knicks’ pressure in the fourth quarter. Despite a strong showing from Amen Thompson, Houston’s lead quickly vanished. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who had been effective earlier, failed to maintain their offensive rhythm in the decisive moments. Turnovers were also a significant issue for the Rockets, as they committed 17 throughout the game, which played a crucial role in their downfall.

Another factor that worked against Houston was their lack of free-throw attempts. The Knicks capitalized on their chances at the line, making 24 of 30 free throws (80%), while the Rockets only had 15 attempts, converting 14 (93.3%). This disparity gave New York extra scoring opportunities and made it difficult for the Rockets to regain momentum in the closing moments.

Game Stats

  • Jalen Brunson (NYK): 42 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists
  • Amen Thompson (HOU): 25 points, 9 rebounds
  • Mikal Bridges (NYK): 18 points, 5 assists
  • Josh Hart (NYK): 12 points, 7 rebounds
  • Dillon Brooks (HOU): 15 points, 4 rebounds
  • Jalen Green (HOU): 16 points, 5 assists

Key Factors in the Knicks’ Victory

  • Dominance in the Fourth Quarter: The Knicks scored 46 points in the final period, breaking through Houston’s defense with ease.
  • Free Throw Efficiency: New York made 24 of 30 free throws, while Houston attempted only 15 in the entire game.
  • Fewer Turnovers: The Knicks committed just 14 turnovers compared to Houston’s 17, maximizing their possessions.
  • Brunson’s Clutch Performance: The point guard led the way with 42 points and 10 assists, playing a pivotal role in the comeback.

Impact on Standings

This win strengthens the Knicks’ standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race, improving their record to 33-17 and positioning them among the top teams. For the Rockets, the loss was a missed opportunity to close in on the Western Conference leaders. Now at 32-17, Houston falls slightly behind the Memphis Grizzlies (33-16) in the Southwest Division.

As the regular season progresses, both teams face important upcoming challenges. The Knicks will take on the Boston Celtics in a critical Eastern Conference showdown, while the Rockets will face the Dallas Mavericks in a crucial matchup that could impact their playoff positioning.

Upcoming Games

  • New York Knicks: vs. Boston Celtics on February 5 (home game).
  • Houston Rockets: vs. Dallas Mavericks on February 6 (away game).

Interesting Facts About the Game

  • Jalen Brunson recorded his second 40+ point game of the season.
  • The Knicks scored more than 45 points in a single quarter for the first time this season.
  • Before this matchup, the Rockets had won three of their last five meetings against the Knicks.
  • The Knicks now have a 65.3% win rate at home this season (18-9).
  • This was the Knicks’ largest fourth-quarter comeback of the season.

Game Timeline

  • 1st Quarter: Rockets take a slight lead, 27-25, with a strong start from Jalen Green.
  • 2nd Quarter: Houston extends their lead to 57-52 at halftime.
  • 3rd Quarter: Rockets widen the gap, leading 89-78 going into the final period.
  • 4th Quarter: Knicks explode offensively, scoring 46 points and securing the 124-118 victory.

Key Game Statistics

  • Field Goal Percentage: Knicks – 50.5% | Rockets – 46.2%
  • Three-Point Shooting: Knicks – 23.1% | Rockets – 28.6%
  • Turnovers: Knicks – 14 | Rockets – 17
  • Rebounds: Knicks – 40 | Rockets – 50
  • Points in the Paint: Knicks – 80 | Rockets – 68

The Knicks’ victory showcased their ability to perform under pressure, with Jalen Brunson stepping up in a crucial moment. Meanwhile, the Rockets must address their fourth-quarter struggles and turnovers to remain competitive in the Western Conference. As the season heads toward its final stretch, every win and strategic adjustment will be vital in the playoff race.



Post Comment

You May Have Missed