Shorthanded Knicks Shock the Heat: Shamet Drops 36, Towns Dominates in Explosive NBA Cup Win

The New York Knicks found themselves battling adversity almost immediately. Already missing Jalen Brunson because of an ankle injury, New York suffered another blow when OG Anunoby exited with a hamstring issue just minutes into the game.
Facing the league’s No. 1 offense in the Miami Heat, a depleted Knicks roster appeared to be in serious trouble.

Instead, they responded with one of their most impressive performances of the season.

New York exploded offensively, taking down Miami 140–132 and evening their NBA Cup record at 1–1. Several players delivered standout showings, but two performances stole the spotlight.

Landry Shamet Erupts for a Career Night

Landry Shamet has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks this year after joining the team on a non-guaranteed training camp deal. But against Miami, he delivered the best performance of his NBA career.

Coming off the bench, Shamet caught fire in the second half, dropping 30 points after halftime and finishing with 36 points, a new career high.
He shot 12-of-19 from the field and 6-of-12 from three, scoring in every way imaginable—pull-ups, catch-and-shoot threes, and tough contested jumpers.

In a game where the Knicks desperately needed offense, Shamet became the unexpected hero.

Karl-Anthony Towns Dominates the First Half, Leads as Primary Option

If Shamet owned the second half, Karl-Anthony Towns was the star of the first.

With Brunson out, the Knicks needed Towns to take on an expanded scoring role. He delivered immediately, putting up 31 points in the first half alone and ending the night with 39 points, his season high.

After intermission, Towns shifted gears—becoming more of a facilitator and allowing the offense to run through him. His playmaking helped New York maintain control as Miami pushed back.

Overall, the Knicks shot 46.2% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range, fueled largely by Towns’ ability to draw attention and create clean looks for teammates.

A Statement Win for a Shorthanded Knicks Squad

Despite missing key rotation players, New York delivered one of its grittiest and most efficient offensive performances of the season.
Shamet’s scoring explosion and Towns’ complete offensive game were the difference-makers, proving the Knicks have the firepower to compete even when their roster is depleted.

With this victory, New York not only returns to the win column but also keeps its NBA Cup hopes alive.