Nets feel disappointed after another missed chance to snap losing streak against Knicks

Nets Fall Short Against Knicks in Close Game

The Nets were clearly focused on breaking their losing streak against the Knicks, and they weren’t about to take the mockery lightly.

It’s true—they’re a bit undersized and lacking personnel. However, Josh Minott and the Brooklyn bench nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback in a nail-biting 93-92 loss at Barclays Center on Friday. Listening to Minott’s heartfelt comments afterward really highlighted how important this game was for them.

“I hated that,” Minott expressed, frustration evident in his voice. He had an impressive night, scoring 22 points with a personal best of 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. “It felt like every game has been an away game since I joined here. Tonight was an opportunity for us to say we’re here as an organization and as a team.”

Minott really emphasized his frustration with the opposing crowd, noting, “It’s always a sea of blue, a sea of orange. I’ve seen it before when I played for the Celtics. I respect the true Brooklyn fans, it’s tough to back us up every game. But I feel like there’s no rivalry here.”

Yes, he used “air quotes” while saying that.

The Nets (17-53) have now lost 14 straight games against the Knicks, their last victory being on January 28, 2023. Among those defeats was a crushing 120-66 loss at Madison Square Garden on January 21 and a 134-98 loss at home on November 9.

Still, on Friday, they showed some heart and grit.

Karl-Anthony Towns had a solid performance, racking up 26 points and 15 rebounds, attempting more free throws (13) than the entire Nets team combined (10).

Brooklyn fought back, shoving and pressuring Towns in the first half, even leading 50-44 at one point.

“Having played with KAT for a couple of years, I know he doesn’t enjoy physical play,” Minott mentioned. “I love him like a brother, but he isn’t a fan of physicality. I hope that annoys him, but we linked up on that.”

Ziare Williams, contributing 17 points, extended the lead to 45-32 with a three-pointer just before halftime.

Leading 59-55 at one point, the Nets then watched as they succumbed to a 20-6 run, falling behind by 10.

When they were down 84-70 after a Towns bucket, Minott and a rookie-heavy bench ignited a remarkable 17-0 run.

Chaney Johnson, Ochai Agbaji, and Malachi Smith—who is on a two-way contract—applied relentless defense, keeping the Knicks scoreless until late in the quarter.

However, after rookie Nolan Traore (11 points, seven assists) put the Nets ahead 87-84 with 3:33 remaining, they couldn’t respond and let the Knicks score eight unanswered points. Jalen Brunson impacted the game with quick, decisive baskets, but Brooklyn struggled to answer back.