Knicks Take A Big Apple Bite Out Of Jazz In Loss

NEW YORK, New York – The Utah Jazz dropped its fifth-straight game in an offensively challenged 119-103 loss to the New York Knicks.

The Jazz (7-25) were at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, January 1, to face the Knicks (24-10).

Starting off the new year in the garden 🎆

⏰ 5:30PM MT
📺 KJZZ | JAZZ+
📻 @kslsportszone#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/aBGEO4vmS5

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 1, 2025

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks have seen a good offense border on excellent this season on their way to the fourth-best record in the league. New York is third in the NBA, shooting 49.7 percent from the field. Brunson pours in 25.2 points per game, hitting 48.3 percent of his shots, and knocking down 2.5 threes each night.

Utah has been in the middle of the pack offensively this season, but its defense has really struggled. The Jazz are last in the league with a 120.7 defensive rating and 27th in the NBA with a -8.9 net rating. Over its previous nine games, Utah has allowed 124.9 points per game.

Pregame

Entering 2024, @utahjazz owned a 14-29 record, 4th worst in the West. Finished with 4th worst record in the West.

Entering 2023, Jazz owned a 19-20 record, 6th worst in the West. Finished with 4th worst record in the West.

Entering 2025, they sit at 7-24, 2nd worst in the West.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) December 31, 2024

The @utahjazz open a three-game road trip tonight at Madison Square Garden against the surging @nyknicks. #takenote https://t.co/QqxNRzqgw9

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 1, 2025

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz begin their east coast road trip in the Big Apple to face the @nyknicks on the @kslsports app, @KSLSportsZone and:https://t.co/RbnIG06pxn pic.twitter.com/t7Ac6peRDp

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

First Quarter

Keyonte George plays bigger this year than he did as a rookie.

He's got solid size for a guard, and he's getting better at using it to his advantage on the offensive end.

That is something that should keep getting better as he adds strength.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 2, 2025

After a terrific start, the @utahjazz have committed a handful of sloppy turnovers leading to easy @nyknicks baskets.

With 2:18 left in the first, the Jazz lead the Knicks 20-18. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/szSN74muph

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

After one the @utahjazz lead the @nyknicks 25-24.

Keyonte George and Collin Sexton combined for 15 points in the opening frame. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/tXuQHRRCHH

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

Second Quarter

correction: new year, 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴, same flame 😏 https://t.co/PeSkHP1Xrg pic.twitter.com/yS59pJe56f

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 2, 2025

Cam Payne lines up a three and the @nyknicks take a 41-33 lead over the @utahjazz midway through the second quarter.

Jazz have been outscored 17-8 to open the quarter. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/tWw47oVvde

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

RELATED: Collin Sexton Keeps Jazz Within Striking Distance With Hot Shooting

At the break the @utahjazz trail the @nyknicks 56-46.

Jazz manage just 21 points in the second quarter.

Slow start for Lauri Markkanen who is shooting just 2-11 from the floor. #TakeNote
pic.twitter.com/szSN74muph

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

Third Quarter

Good to see Taylor Hendricks back on the road with the @utahjazz after the injury.

I’m sure he’s happy to be back with the team as much as possible.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 2, 2025

RELATED: Taylor Hendricks Joins Jazz On Four-Game Road Swing

come for the bucket: stay for the reax: pic.twitter.com/J7B8Q23BUY

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 2, 2025

Great effort defensively from the @utahjazz who have trimmed the @nyknicks double-digit lead to just 4, 77-73 with 2:32 left in the third.

Lauri Markkanen beginning to make his impact felt on both ends. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/7pCYL8Q9GF

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

I'm of the opinion that the Jazz should hold on to Sexton as long as possible.

BUT, if I were an opposing GM considering a trade for De'Aaron Fox, I'd call the Jazz first to see what the asking price is for Sexton.

He's got 20/4/3 on 8-10 shooting in just 22 minutes tonight.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 2, 2025

Through three the @utahjazz trail the @nyknicks 87-79.

Collin Sexton has 20 points to lead the Jazz shooting an efficient 8-10 from the floor. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/FcTOxS9HCL

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2025

Fourth Quarter

one-hand push shot lookin’ g𝟬𝟬d 🪄#TakeNote | @jordanclarksons pic.twitter.com/UNNzI8zgUE

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 2, 2025

Jazz-Knicks Gameday Reading

• Jazz Face Knicks In New Year’s Matchup

• Utah Jazz Mailbag: Are The Jazz Winning Too Many Games?

• Report: Jazz To Sign Elijah Harkless To Two-Way Deal

• Russell Westbrook Makes History In Nuggets Win Over Jazz

• Utah Jazz Lose Final Game Of 2024 To Denver Nuggets

• Utah Jazz Bested By Philadelphia 76ers In Close Battle

Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Knicks is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky. 

Find sports.ksl.com coverage of the Utah Jazz here.

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.