When Landry Shamet went down with a shoulder injury back in November, it was a tough blow for a Knicks team that was already trying to find its rhythm. The veteran guard missed 25 games rehabbing the right shoulder he re-injured against the Orlando Magic, and his absence left a noticeable gap in New York’s backcourt depth. But now, just over a week into his return, Shamet is reminding everyone exactly what he brings to the table - and he’s not being quiet about it.
Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, Shamet delivered the kind of moment that sticks with fans - and likely with his teammates, too. With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, Shamet rose up and buried a dagger three-pointer. Then came the exclamation point, as he turned to the bench and shouted, “I’m fu***** back.”
That wasn’t just a heat-of-the-moment outburst. It was a declaration - from a player who’s battled through injuries and bounced between teams - that he’s here, he’s healthy, and he’s ready to contribute.
Shamet finished the night with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists, shooting 4-for-9 from the field and 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. It was his second straight game scoring in double figures, a small but meaningful milestone considering the road he’s been on since the injury. And with the Knicks struggling to find consistency from deep in recent games, Shamet’s shooting couldn’t have come at a better time.
His performance helped lift New York to a gritty 112-109 win over the Sixers - a victory that pushed the Knicks to 27-18 on the season and solidified their spot as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Since Shamet’s return, the Knicks are 3-2, and while that might not jump off the page, the energy he’s brought has been noticeable.
Jalen Brunson, who’s become the emotional and tactical leader of this Knicks squad, didn’t hold back in praising Shamet after the win.
“Yeah, he’s great on both sides of the ball,” Brunson said. “The things he does, he does great.
I’m so happy to have him back. Obviously, healthy - that’s the most important thing.
But his contributions and going forward are huge for us.”
And Brunson’s right. Shamet may not be putting up 20 a night, but his value goes beyond the box score. He spaces the floor, plays with confidence, and brings a veteran presence that this Knicks roster can lean on - especially as they gear up for a stretch run in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Now in his second season with New York, Shamet is averaging 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He’s played for five different teams in his NBA career, but none of those stops ever felt like a long-term fit. With the Knicks, though, there’s a sense that he’s finally finding his footing - both in the rotation and in the locker room.
If Saturday night was any indication, Landry Shamet isn’t just back - he’s ready to be a difference-maker. And for a Knicks team with playoff aspirations, that’s a development worth watching.