Towns bounces back with strong game as the Knicks beat the Clippers 123-111 to snap a 4-game skid

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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket while LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) gestures after scoring a 3-point basket against the LA Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) — New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket while LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

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10:02 PM on Wednesday, January 7

By BRIAN MAHONEY

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and the New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

Towns bounced back from a quiet game Monday in Detroit, when he took just four shots and had only six points and six turnovers in the Knicks' 121-90 loss that gave them their longest losing streak of the season. This time, the center had 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks break open the game.

OG Anunoby added 20 points and Deuce McBride had 16 for the Knicks, who had a 24-7 run starting late in the third quarter and extending into the fourth to turn a four-point deficit into a 105-92 advantage.

Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points for the Clippers, who lost for just the second time in nine games. James Harden had 23 points and nine assists after sitting out Monday against Golden State because of right shoulder soreness.

The Clippers raced to a 14-5 lead, but the Knicks answered with eight straight points and the game was close for the first three quarters. The Clippers were up 85-81 late in the third before the Knicks finished strong to take a 90-87 edge to the fourth.

Towns then started the period with a three-point play and follow shot, and later had four points in an 8-0 run that pushed a five-point lead to 105-92.

Ivica Zubac had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, and John Collins added 18 points and 10 boards.

Up next

Clippers: Visit Brooklyn on Friday.

Knicks: Visit Phoenix on Friday to start a four-game road trip.

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