Inside the Knicks’ biggest collapse ever

Inside the Knicks' Biggest Collapse

The New York Knicks, one of the NBA's most storied franchises, have had their share of heartbreaking moments for some time. But what happened on a cold evening at Madison Square Garden during the 2024-2025 season could be considered the worst collapse in the team's long and dramatic history. A game that began with hope and dominance turned into a disaster of historic proportions - one that left fans stunned, players stunned and analysts searching for answers.

A game that seemed to be won

It started like a dream. The Knicks came out firing on all cylinders, building a massive 27-point lead midway through the third quarter. Their defense was airtight, Julius Randle was hitting his shots, and Jalen Brunson was running the offense with composure and precision. The energy in the Garden was electric, and the chants of "Let's Go Knicks!" Chants filled the air as fans hoped for another win that would cement their place in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

But cracks were forming on the court.

Turning Point

Momentum is a powerful force in basketball. Six minutes into the third quarter, everything began to unravel. A few missed shots, a few careless turns, and suddenly, the opposing team—let’s say the Miami Heat—found a spark. Jimmy Butler hit back-to-back three-pointers, and the Knicks’ defense began to falter. By the end of the third quarter, the lead was down to 18, and the atmosphere in the Garden shifted from celebration to concern.

In the fourth quarter, everything was a hit. The Knicks couldn’t buy a basket, and their defense seemed to have completely disappeared. Miami scored an astonishing 38 points in the final quarter alone, outscoring the Knicks by 20 points. Brunson, who had 22 points in three quarters, was scoreless in the fourth. Randle turned the ball over twice in the final two minutes. Meanwhile, the Heat kept their composure and played the game perfectly. A last-second layup gave them a 112-111 victory—one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history and the beginning of their most painful downfall for the Knicks.

What went wrong?

So, how did it all go so wrong? Several factors contributed:

Poor game management: Coach Tom Thibodeau has often been criticized for his rigid rotation and unwillingness to make quick adjustments. As the Heat surged, he kept key starters on the bench for too long and failed to call timely timeouts to stop the momentum.

Lack of leadership in crunch time: The Knicks lacked a vocal leader on the court. Neither Randle nor Brunson could rally the troops when the tide turned, and the young players looked distraught.

Turnovers and Shot Selection: In the final quarter, the Knicks committed seven turnovers and made several ill-advised 3-pointers early in the shot clock. These poor decisions allowed Miami to get out in transition and score easily.

Defensive breakdown: A team that once prided itself on a tough defense completely collapsed. Turnovers were slow, turnovers were missed, and the Heat easily exploited mismatches.

Fallout and Fan Reaction

The loss wasn't just another L in the standings—it was a mental blow. Social media erupted with strong reactions from both fans and former players. Knicks legends like Charles Oakley and John Starks called the collapse "embarrassing" and "unacceptable." Sports talk shows devoted entire segments to analyzing the failure.

Worse, the loss had playoff implications. The Knicks dropped from 5th to 8th place, making their path to the postseason even more difficult. With just a few games left in the regular season, a loss could be the difference between a favorable matchup and an early exit.

Looking Ahead

The Knicks must now regroup. Thibodeau, whose job security is once again under scrutiny, must find a way to restore the team's confidence. Meanwhile, Randle and Brunson must lead by example and ensure that this kind of collapse never happens again.

For Knicks fans, it's another chapter in a long book of disappointments. But as always, there is a glimmer of hope in New York. The team has the talent to bounce back—what remains to be seen is whether they have the mental fortitude to overcome their biggest setback.