Landry Shamet Shines in Return as Knicks Snap Skid with Statement Win Over Nets
The New York Knicks needed a spark-and they got one in emphatic fashion.
Coming off a rough stretch that saw them drop 11 of their last 17 games, the Knicks found their rhythm again Wednesday night, dismantling the Brooklyn Nets in a 120-66 blowout that was all but over by halftime. It wasn’t just a win-it was a message. And while Jalen Brunson led the team in scoring with 20 points, the spotlight belonged to Landry Shamet, who reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when he’s locked in.
Shamet’s Return Ignites the Bench
After missing 25 games due to injury, Shamet didn’t just ease back into the rotation-he exploded. In just 15 minutes of action, the veteran guard dropped 18 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.
That kind of efficiency is rare, even in today’s three-point-heavy game. And it wasn’t just the scoring-Shamet added two steals and a block, joining Mitchell Robinson as the only Knicks on the night to tally at least three combined steals and blocks.
“He’s great on both sides of the ball,” said Brunson after the win. “The things he does, he does great.
Happy to have him back healthy, that’s the most important thing. His contributions tonight and going forward are going to be huge for us.”
That’s not just lip service. Shamet’s ability to stretch the floor and play within the flow of the offense gives the Knicks a reliable scoring option off the bench-something they’ve sorely missed during this recent slump.
Teammates Not Surprised by the Performance
Miles McBride, who’s carved out his own role as a tough-nosed defender and energy guy off the bench, wasn’t shocked by Shamet’s outburst.
“I mean, not surprised,” McBride said. “We see how he works every day.
To deal with what he’s had to deal with, it’s a testimony to his hard work, how he prepares. We’re not surprised.”
That preparation paid off in a big way. Shamet entered the game shooting 38.5% from three for his career-a mark that puts him among the league’s most reliable perimeter threats. And on a night when the Knicks were looking to shake off some recent struggles, Shamet’s shooting gave them exactly the kind of lift that can change the energy of a locker room.
A Timely Reminder of Shamet’s Value
Before his injury, Shamet had already shown flashes of what he could bring to this Knicks squad. Back on November 14th, he erupted for a career-high 36 points against the Miami Heat-again coming off the bench.
Performances like that may be rare, but they’re not flukes. Shamet has always had the ability to heat up in a hurry, and when he’s feeling it, he can tilt a game in just a few possessions.
With the trade deadline looming, the Knicks front office has some decisions to make-particularly when it comes to shoring up their depth at the forward spot. But with Shamet, McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek all contributing in the backcourt, the team has a strong foundation of guards to lean on. And given Shamet’s shooting stroke and team-friendly contract, there’s a real argument to be made for keeping him right where he is.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks still have work to do if they want to recapture the form that had them sitting at 19-7 back in mid-December. But Wednesday night was a step in the right direction.
They didn’t just beat the Nets-they dominated them. And in the process, they got a key contributor back in rhythm.
If Shamet can stay healthy and continue spacing the floor like he did in this one, the Knicks’ bench just got a whole lot more dangerous.