The New Orleans Pelicans (4-17) entered Madison Square Garden on a seven-game losing streak, short-handed and struggling. A Knicks (12-8) victory was expected. Abject humiliation was not.
New York smothered the Pelicans with defense, allowing just 28 first-half points—their lowest total allowed this season—as Mikal Bridges shone with 16 points and a +30 plus-minus. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the boards with 17 rebounds by halftime, helping the Knicks build a 57-28 lead. Though the Pelicans matched their first-half output in the third quarter, the Knicks extended their lead to 41 before the reserves closed out a 118-85 victory.