Knicks Look to Repeat Dominance Over Jazz in Season Rematch
The New York Knicks face the Utah Jazz again in a matchup that already has history during the 2025-26 NBA season. The teams previously met on December 5th, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, and it turned into one of the most dominant offensive performances of the season for New York. The Knicks opened the game with an incredible 23-0 run, the largest opening run in the NBA’s play-by-play era, immediately putting the Jazz in a hole they never recovered from. New York went on to win 146-112, showcasing its offensive depth and ball movement. That win gave the Knicks confidence in the matchup, but the circumstances entering this game are slightly different. Lauri Markkanen is out for Utah, and Miles McBride, who helped with 22 points in the last meetup, is unavailable for New York, meaning both teams will need other players to step up.
For the Knicks, the offense will once again revolve around Jalen Brunson, who continues to be the engine of the team. Brunson leads the Knicks in scoring and assists this season and has consistently delivered in big games. In the earlier matchup against Utah, Brunson poured in 33 points, helping ignite the massive early run that decided the game. His ability to control the pace, attack the paint, and create space for shooters makes him one of the toughest guards to defend in the league. Without Miles McBride, the Knicks may rely more heavily on Brunson’s minutes and playmaking to stabilize the backcourt. Expect Brunson to orchestrate the offense through pick-and-roll action and look to involve the team’s wings early.
Another major factor for New York is Karl-Anthony Towns, who anchors the Knicks’ frontcourt and gives them a strong inside presence. Towns is one of the team’s leading rebounders and provides scoring both in the post and from the perimeter. In the December matchup with Utah, he contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, helping New York dominate the boards and control the paint. The Knicks will also look for contributions from players like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, who provide defense, rebounding, and transition scoring. Without McBride’s scoring punch off the bench, those wings may take on larger offensive roles. Their ability to hit perimeter shots could be key in stretching Utah’s defense.
The Jazz will be without their top scorer , Lauri Markkanen, which significantly changes their offensive approach. Markkanen typically leads Utah in scoring and provides a dangerous combination of size and three-point shooting. In the last meet-up with the Knicks, Markkanen put up 18 points. With him out, the Jazz will likely rely more on young guards such as Keyonte George to generate offense. George has shown flashes of high-level scoring and playmaking this season and will need to take on a larger role if Utah hopes to keep pace with the Knicks. Utah may also look to its supporting cast to provide scoring by committee and push the tempo whenever possible. Generating easy transition points could help offset the absence of their leading scorer.
