The New York Knicks didn’t just beat the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night — they buried them. A 113-100 victory at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on November 24, 2025, extended New York’s winning streak over their crosstown rivals to a record 12 straight games, a streak that now defines the modern Battle of New York. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t close. And for Nets fans, it was another brutal reminder of how far their team has fallen — and how high the Knicks have risen.
The Dominance Is Real
Karl-Anthony Towns was a force of nature, dropping 37 points and 12 rebounds like he was playing pickup at the YMCA. Jalen Brunson added 27 of his own, calmly carving up Brooklyn’s defense like a chef slicing through butter. But the real story? The paint. The Knicks outscored the Nets 52-28 inside, turning what should’ve been a fast-paced, three-point shootout into a physical slog — and they loved every second of it. After being bullied in Orlando just two nights prior, New York came out with a chip on their shoulder and never let up. Six turnovers for the entire game? That’s not basketball. That’s a clinic.
Meanwhile, Noah Clowney gave the Nets something to cheer about — a career-best 31 points, seven threes, and the kind of performance that makes you wonder why he’s been buried on the bench for so long. But even his heroics couldn’t overcome the tide. Brooklyn shot more threes in the first three quarters than New York did all game, yet the Knicks hit 53% from deep in the second half. That’s not luck. That’s execution. And it’s the difference between a team trying to rebuild and one that’s built to win.
A Rivalry Reborn — and Rewritten
The Knicks-Nets rivalry dates back to the Nets’ 2012 move to Brooklyn, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it truly ignited. Back then, Jason Kidd led the Nets to the NBA Finals, while the Knicks were stuck in mediocrity. In 2004, Brooklyn swept New York in the playoffs — a series remembered for Tim Thomas calling Kenyon Martin "fugazi" and nearly starting a brawl. That was the Nets’ golden era. Now? It’s a ghost story.
Since November 2023, the Knicks have won every single meeting. Twelve in a row. No close games. No last-second miracles. Just dominance. This isn’t just a winning streak — it’s a cultural shift. Manhattan isn’t just winning games; it’s reclaiming the city. The phrase "Battle of the Boroughs" used to be a marketing slogan. Now it’s a reality. And the Nets? They’re the ones left wondering where it all went wrong.
Who’s Playing, Who’s Missing
Josh Hart stepped in for the sick Mitchell Robinson and played like a man on a mission — hustling, diving, doing all the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. Miles McBride, Mikal Bridges, Jordan Clarkson — the Knicks’ depth was overwhelming. Brooklyn’s bench, meanwhile, featured names like Egor Demin, Drake Powell, and Tyson Etienne — talented, yes, but inexperienced, unproven, and outmatched. The gap between roster construction is glaring.
Even the game’s timing had a strange twist. Sofascore listed the game as November 25 at 12:30 AM UTC — correct, because Eastern Time lags five hours behind. But the official start time? 7:30 PM ET. Doors opened at 6:00 PM. Over 17,000 fans showed up. Most were wearing blue and orange.
What’s Next?
The Knicks’ next game? A road trip to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:00 PM ET — broadcast on MSG Network. Then, Friday, November 28, they host the Milwaukee Bucks in their final NBA Cup group game. But the real target? January 2026, when the rivalry resumes at Madison Square Garden. That’s when the pressure flips. Now, the Nets will be desperate. The Knicks? They’ll be the ones with something to protect.
For Brooklyn, the path forward is murky. Are they rebuilding? Re-tooling? Or just waiting for the next franchise player to come along? The answer isn’t clear. But one thing is: New York’s reign over the city is no longer a fluke. It’s a fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this 12-game winning streak in Knicks-Nets history?
This is the longest winning streak by either team in the modern rivalry since the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012. The previous record was nine straight wins by the Knicks between 2018 and 2020. Before that, the Nets held the edge in the early 2000s, including a playoff sweep in 2004. Twelve wins in a row against a division rival — especially one with shared markets and media — is unprecedented in NBA history for a crosstown matchup.
Why is the Knicks’ paint dominance so important against the Nets?
Brooklyn has relied on perimeter shooting and pace to compete, but they lack interior defense and rebounding. The Knicks’ 52-28 advantage in the paint wasn’t just about scoring — it was about control. Every dunk, every putback, every defensive stop inside drained Brooklyn’s energy and confidence. With no strong rim protector, the Nets can’t recover when they’re outmuscled at the basket.
What does this mean for the NBA Cup group stage?
The Knicks’ win over the Nets was part of their NBA Cup group play, and this victory solidified their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference bracket. With wins over the Nets and upcoming games against the Bucks and Hornets, New York is in strong shape to advance. Their physical style and depth make them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Is there a chance the Nets can turn things around before January?
Unlikely. With an 0-8 home record and only three wins total, Brooklyn’s roster lacks elite talent and cohesion. Coach Jacque Vaughn has tried multiple lineups, but no combination has clicked. Unless they make a trade before the deadline — and there’s no indication they will — the Nets are looking at a long, painful rebuild. The January rematch at Madison Square Garden might be even more lopsided.
How has the fanbase reacted to this streak?
In Manhattan, it’s celebration. Social media buzzed with memes of the Nets’ losing streak and "Knicks 12-0" banners. In Brooklyn, it’s quiet. Fans are frustrated but resigned. Some have stopped attending games. Others blame front office decisions — particularly the lack of a true franchise center. The emotional toll of this streak is as real as the scoreboard.
What’s the long-term impact on the Knicks’ identity?
This streak has redefined the Knicks as a physical, disciplined, team-first unit. No longer are they the flashy, inconsistent team of the past. Under coach Tom Thibodeau, they’ve become the NBA’s most intimidating road team. Winning in Brooklyn — especially this way — signals they’re not just contenders. They’re the new standard in New York basketball.