On January 22nd, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Knicks visiting the Nets. The Knicks took an early lead, going up 15-5, but they were unable to maintain their momentum and extend the lead. The Nets fought back continuously, and in the fourth quarter, the Knicks found themselves in trouble as the Nets went on a 13-2 run to take the lead. Brunson scored consecutively to regain the lead for the Knicks, while Johnson missed a three-pointer that could have put them ahead. Ultimately, the Nets lost to the Knicks with a score of 95-99.
In the first quarter, the Knicks started strong with Anunoby and Brunson hitting threes, Towns with an alley-oop dunk, and Bridges also making a three-pointer to take a 15-5 lead. Russell broke the bleeding with a layup and then completed a 2+1 play. Martin hit a three-pointer, followed by Kloni's three-pointer, and the Nets went on a 15-4 run to overtake the score. Hart hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, and both teams went to the free-throw line frequently. Finally, Sharp made two free throws, and the first quarter ended with the Nets leading the Knicks 26-24.
In the second quarter, the Knicks regained their composure, with Towns scoring on a putback, McBride and Achiuwa hitting threes, and they started with a 12-2 run to regain control. Russell hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, Towns completed a 2+1 play, and Bridges hit a three-pointer. Both teams went to the free-throw line frequently, and the Knicks once led 48-35. The Nets kept attacking to close the gap, Anunoby broke through to stabilize the situation, Towns scored on a cut, Kloni hit a three-pointer, and Cameron also made a three-pointer. Brunson and Towns scored successively at the end, and the half ended with the Knicks leading 59-51.
After halftime, Anunoby hit a three-pointer, and Claxton scored with a dunk. Both teams exchanged blows on the offensive end, with the Knicks still in control. The Nets then scored continuously, with Russell hitting a three-pointer, Towns scoring under the basket, and Claxton responding with a dunk. Brunson made a jumper, and the Knicks scored consecutively to extend the lead again. Martin hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, Russell also made a three-pointer, and Achiuva scored with a dunk. The Nets were still able to keep up with the score, but unfortunately, Wilson missed two free throws at the end, and the third quarter ended with the Nets trailing the Knicks 75-84.
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks suddenly went cold, missing consecutive shots. The Nets seized the opportunity and went on a 13-2 run with both inside and outside scoring to successfully overtake the score. Towns scored under the basket to stop the bleeding, Brunson scored consecutively, and Anunoby dunked, allowing the Knicks to regain control. The Nets' counterattack failed, and they eventually lost the game with a score of 95-99.
In this game, Towns performed outstandingly, scoring 25 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists; Anunoby also had 20 points, and Brunson scored 15 points. The Nets played well, once overtaking the score in the fourth quarter, but unfortunately, they were unable to hold on, with Russell scoring 23 points and 10 assists in vain.