Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a strong all-around performance and Jalen Brunson led the scoring as the New York Knicks pulled away late to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 123-111 on Wednesday night, snapping a four-game skid.
Towns finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, rebounding from a quiet outing in Detroit earlier in the week. After taking just four shots in Monday’s loss, the center was aggressive when it mattered most, scoring 10 of his points in the fourth quarter to help New York put the game away.
Brunson scored 26 points to pace the Knicks, while OG Anunoby added 20 and Deuce McBride chipped in 16. New York seized control with a decisive 24-7 run spanning the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, turning a four-point deficit into a 105-92 lead.
Los Angeles jumped out quickly, opening the game on a 14-5 run, but the Knicks responded and kept the game tight through three quarters. The Clippers led 85-81 late in the third before New York closed the period strong to carry a 90-87 advantage into the fourth.
Towns set the tone in the final period with a three-point play and a quick follow-up basket, then scored four points during an 8-0 burst that extended the Knicks’ lead to double digits.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points, while James Harden finished with 23 points and nine assists in his return after missing Monday’s game with right shoulder soreness. Ivica Zubac recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds, and John Collins added 18 points and 10 boards.
The loss was just the Clippers’ second in their last nine games.
Up next:
Clippers visit Brooklyn on Friday.
Knicks open a four-game road trip Friday at Phoenix.
