Nets' Frustration Mounts After Another Loss to Knicks

Brooklyn bench nearly sparks comeback, but Nets fall short against rivals

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Brooklyn Nets were left frustrated after failing to end their long skid against the New York Knicks, losing a close 93-92 game at Barclays Center. Despite being undermanned, the Nets' bench unit led by Josh Minott nearly sparked a comeback, but ultimately came up short against the Knicks.

Why it matters

The Nets have struggled mightily against their crosstown rivals, losing 14 straight games to the Knicks. This latest defeat highlights the Nets' ongoing challenges as they try to rebuild and compete in a crowded Eastern Conference, while also dealing with the reality of playing in front of a largely pro-Knicks crowd at home.

The details

Minott led the Nets' bench with 22 points, including a career-high 6 three-pointers, as Brooklyn fought back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter. The Nets were physical with Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 26 points and 15 rebounds, but ultimately couldn't overcome Jalen Brunson's late buckets that put the Knicks back in front.

  • The Nets have not beaten the Knicks since January 28, 2023.
  • The Knicks routed the Nets 120-66 at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2026 and 134-98 at Barclays Center on November 9, 2025.

The players

Josh Minott

A Nets bench player who scored a team-high 22 points, including a career-best 6 three-pointers, in the loss.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks star had 26 points and 15 rebounds, but was challenged physically by the Nets' defense.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks guard hit key baskets down the stretch to help his team hold off the Nets' late comeback attempt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wanted that s--t so f--king bad. Ever since we've been here, it's like every game is an away game. [Friday] was just the night to really just stick it to everybody, man. As an organization, as a team, to show people that we got s--t here, yo.”

— Josh Minott

“I played with KAT for 2 ½ years, man. I know him like this. He don't like physicality. I love KAT, but he don't like physicality. That's my boy, too, but he don't like physicality. I hope this angers him, too. But yeah, we were real connected on bringing that physicality to him.”

— Josh Minott

What’s next

The Nets will look to end their long skid against the Knicks in their next matchup, which is scheduled for April 5th at Madison Square Garden.

The takeaway

Despite their struggles, the Nets showed fight and pride in nearly coming back against their crosstown rivals, led by a gutsy performance from their bench unit. This loss underscores the Nets' ongoing challenges as they try to rebuild and establish an identity, while also dealing with the reality of playing in front of a largely pro-Knicks crowd at home.