Knicks Stun Rockets in Wild Comeback: From 18 Down to Garden Glory

For three quarters, it looked like the Houston Rockets had authored a statement road win at Madison Square Garden. The energy was sharper, the execution cleaner, and the offensive rhythm undeniable. Houston built its advantage methodically, at one point stretching the lead to 18 points in the third quarter.

At the center of it all was Kevin Durant, who poured in 30 points and dictated the flow whenever the Rockets needed stability. His mid-range precision and ability to score over tight coverage repeatedly silenced the Garden crowd. Complementing him, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson delivered defensive intensity and floor spacing, giving Houston the balance required to maintain control.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks struggled to find cohesion. Offensive possessions stalled, and the starters failed to establish sustained momentum. Contributions from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns kept the deficit manageable, but through three quarters, the Knicks lacked the urgency needed to flip the narrative.

Knicks Flip the Script in the Fourth Quarter

Then the game shifted — abruptly and decisively.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to New York. What had been a controlled Houston performance turned into a masterclass in late-game resilience from the home side. The Knicks exploded for a 33–15 final frame, tightening defensively while attacking with pace and confidence.

The transformation wasn’t just about shot-making; it was about discipline and decision-making. Defensive rotations became sharper. Rebounding improved. Turnovers diminished. Most importantly, the Knicks began dictating tempo instead of reacting to it.

Clutch possessions defined the closing stretch. New York executed in half-court sets, found high-percentage looks, and capitalized at the free-throw line. Houston, conversely, appeared rattled — rushed attempts and contested jumpers replacing the earlier fluidity.

By the final buzzer, the Garden crowd had witnessed a complete reversal: from near blowout to 108–106 triumph.

What the Comeback Means for New York

Beyond the immediate thrill, this victory signals something larger about the Knicks’ trajectory. Teams with postseason aspirations are often measured not by how they start games, but by how they finish them. Erasing an 18-point deficit against a disciplined opponent demonstrates mental toughness and adaptability.

The win also underscores the importance of depth and composure. While the starters struggled early, adjustments and bench contributions shifted the balance. The ability to survive cold stretches and still produce a decisive quarter could prove invaluable as the season intensifies.

For Houston, the loss serves as a reminder of how thin margins become in high-pressure environments. Dominance for three quarters guarantees nothing without a strong close.

For New York, however, this was more than just a win. It was a statement — that even when the rhythm disappears and the deficit grows, belief and execution can still rewrite the ending.