DENVER — In an impressive display of skill, OG Anunoby recorded a personal best of 40 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed significantly with 17 assists during a record-equaling performance from the New York Knicks, who dismantled the Denver Nuggets with a convincing 145-118 victory on Monday evening.

Brunson not only scored 23 points but also helped the Knicks achieve a remarkable 45 assists, matching the franchise’s single-game record established on November 24, 1979, against Cleveland.

New York started strong, taking a 12-point lead after the first quarter and extending it to 23 by halftime. The Knicks dominated, at one point leading by as much as 30 points, while shooting an impressive 60.9% from the field. Remarkably, the starters remained on the court even with a significant lead late in the game.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who was a game-time decision due to a sore calf, made a notable impact with 30 points and 15 rebounds for the Nuggets. In addition, Russell Westbrook provided a spark off the bench with 27 points, while Nikola Jokic added 22 points but managed only seven rebounds, marking a season low.

Key Insights: Towns has consistently been a thorn in the side of the Nuggets, going 12 for 15 from the field. Last season, he played with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which ousted the Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. New York acquired him in a major trade on October 2.

For the Nuggets, Jokic’s performance contributed to a surprising home record of 5-4 early this season, especially when considering they tied for the second-best home performance the previous year with a 33-8 record.

Turning Point: Early in the first quarter, Brunson sparked the Knicks with a personal nine-point run, outpacing the Nuggets in that stretch 9-2, which helped set the tone for the game.

Stat Highlight: Anunoby and Brunson excelled from beyond the arc, combining for 9 of 12 shooting on three-pointers, while the entire Knicks team finished with 19 successful shots from 36 attempts beyond the three-point line.

Looking Ahead: The Knicks will head to Dallas for their next matchup on Wednesday night, while the Nuggets are set to begin a two-game road trip the same evening in Utah.