Knicks Seek Season Sweep of Nuggets in Road Matchup

New York looks to complete season series win over Denver in first game of 5-game road trip.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The New York Knicks will visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, seeking to complete a season sweep of their Western Conference foe. The Knicks previously defeated the Nuggets 134-127 in double overtime on February 4th, led by a 42-point, 9-assist, 8-rebound performance from Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings, one game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will play 10 of their next 14 games on the road.

Why it matters

This matchup is significant as the Knicks look to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, while the Nuggets will try to fend off the Knicks and protect their home court. The Knicks have bolstered their backcourt by acquiring Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans, giving them additional depth at point guard behind Brunson.

The details

The Knicks will be facing a Nuggets team that is playing the second game of a back-to-back, having defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120-113 on Thursday night. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic recorded his 23rd triple-double of the season in the win, but also tied a season-high with 9 turnovers. The Nuggets will be shorthanded, as Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, and Cameron Johnson are all expected to be sidelined for Friday's game.

  • The Knicks and Nuggets previously met on February 4th, with the Knicks winning 134-127 in double overtime.
  • Friday's game will kick off a 5-game road trip for the Knicks, who will play 10 of their next 14 games away from home.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who scored 42 points, dished out 9 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds in the previous meeting between these teams.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' star center and three-time MVP, who is averaging 28.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game this season.

Jose Alvarado

The point guard acquired by the Knicks at the trade deadline, who has provided energy and quickness off the bench since joining the team.

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What they’re saying

“The energy on top of the quickness that he brings to the table, every time we step on the floor, is irreplaceable.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach (cbssports.com)

“It could be next week, it could be tomorrow. That's what this has been like.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach (cbssports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Knicks and Nuggets features two teams jockeying for playoff positioning, with the Knicks looking to complete a season sweep and the Nuggets trying to protect their home court despite being shorthanded. The addition of Jose Alvarado has given the Knicks more backcourt depth, while the Nuggets will rely heavily on Nikola Jokic to carry the load with several key players sidelined.