The Barclays Center resembled a festive, hip-hop-style extension of New York's Madison Square Garden more than the Brooklyn Nets' home on Monday night. Knicks fans controlled the stands, celebrating every basket just like in Manhattan. And the scoreboard validated their confidence: a 113–100 victory for New York, their twelfth straight win in the New York rivalry. A record for the Knicks: never in history had this series been so lopsided.

Karl-Anthony Towns, a giant born in New Jersey (near New York) of Dominican descent, delivered a masterful performance with 37 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Jalen Brunson added 27 points, while Josh Hart once again distinguished himself in the battle with 12 rebounds.

Brooklyn benefited from a career-high 31 points by Noah Clowney (7-for-13 from three-point range), but struggled overall, shooting just 37.9% from the field and 14-for-48 from beyond the arc. The Nets are now 0-8 at home and 3-14 overall this season.

New York was weakened, however: OG Anunoby (hamstring) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) were out, and Miles McBride played through illness. But nothing could stop the Knicks' momentum, who haven't lost this derby since January 28, 2023.

After the game, the 30-year-old center Towns explained to Seneweb how his game has evolved and how experience has taught him to be more efficient. “I still feel super young, I think I can still jump really high… Experience has taught me how to get to my positions with less effort. No need to be spectacular, you have to simplify the game. One or two dribbles, go to the basket, finish with your right or left hand… maximize the positions where you work the most,” he confided. He then emphasized the importance of consistency in daily practice: “Never, ever change the grind. Be the first to arrive, the last to leave… keep believing in the work, even when the shots aren't falling the way you want them to. Tonight, it feels good to see the results, and it gives me even more confidence.”

This derby no longer resembles a balanced duel. It's a long-term power grab.