It’s funny how a trade from years ago still haunts a box score. When the Dallas Mavericks vs Knicks matchup hits the calendar, everyone starts talking about the Jalen Brunson "what-if" scenario. But honestly? We’re way past that now. The 2025-2026 season has turned this into a genuine clash of styles and hierarchies rather than just a revenge plot.
Right now, the New York Knicks are sitting pretty near the top of the Atlantic Division. They’ve got this gritty, defensive identity that feels like a throwback, led by Jalen Brunson’s relentless mid-range game. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are in a weird, transitional spot. Luka Dončić is actually playing for the Lakers now—yeah, it’s still weird to say out loud—and Dallas is trying to find its soul with a roster led by Anthony Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
The Brunson Factor and the New Mavericks Reality
If you’re looking at the Dallas Mavericks vs Knicks head-to-head lately, the vibe is just heavy. Jalen Brunson is averaging roughly 28 points per game this season, and every time he plays Dallas, he seems to find an extra gear. It’s not just about the points; it’s the way he manipulates the floor. He knows the Dallas system—or at least what’s left of it.
Dallas, on the other hand, is leaning heavily on AD. When Anthony Davis is healthy, he’s a walking 25-and-12, but the Mavs have been bitten by the injury bug hard this January. With Kyrie Irving sidelined and P.J. Washington dealing with a nasty ankle sprain, the load on Cooper Flagg is immense.
✨ Don't miss: Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Basketball: What Really Happened This Season
People forget how young Flagg is. He’s out there putting up 18.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, but going up against a Tom Thibodeau defense is a "welcome to the NBA" moment every single time. The Knicks don’t just beat you; they make you hurt for 48 minutes.
Key Stats Heading Into the January Matchup
- Knicks Record: 25-15 (1st in Atlantic)
- Mavericks Record: 15-26 (4th in Southwest)
- Leading Scorer (NYK): Jalen Brunson (28.2 PPG)
- Leading Scorer (DAL): Anthony Davis (20.4 PPG)
The contrast is wild. The Knicks move the ball with a specific kind of surgical precision. They’re top five in the league for rebounds, mostly thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns, who has surprisingly embraced the dirty work since moving to the Garden. Dallas is struggling. They’re 12th in the West, and their defensive rating has slipped into the bottom third of the league.
Why the Garden Still Matters for Dallas
There is something about Madison Square Garden that brings out the best in the Mavericks, even when they’re underdogs. Historically, Dallas has played well in New York. Maybe it’s the lights, or maybe it’s the lingering chip on their shoulder from losing their franchise cornerstone to the Knicks' front office.
🔗 Read more: Nebraska Basketball Women's Schedule: What Actually Matters This Season
The upcoming game on January 19, 2026, is basically a "must-win" for Dallas if they want to stay in the Play-In conversation. The Knicks are favored by 5.5 points, which feels about right given how these teams are trending. If Dallas can’t figure out how to stop the Knicks' transition game, it’s going to be a long night for the Mavs fans at the Garden.
Tactical Battles to Watch
- Towns vs. Davis: This is the heavyweight fight. KAT has been shooting nearly 39% from deep this season, forcing AD to come out of the paint. If Davis is stuck on the perimeter, the Knicks' guards will live at the rim.
- The Flagg Assignment: Expect OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges to be glued to Cooper Flagg. If the rookie can’t find his rhythm early, the Dallas offense tends to stagnate into a lot of "hopeful" three-pointers.
- Bench Depth: The Knicks' second unit is significantly more cohesive right now. Miles McBride and Josh Hart provide a spark that Dallas is currently missing with their lengthy injury list.
The Luka-Shaped Hole in the Conversation
It’s impossible to talk about Dallas Mavericks vs Knicks without mentioning the guy who isn't there. Luka Dončić is currently leading the league in scoring for the Lakers (33.6 PPG), and Mavs fans are still mourning that departure. It changed the chemistry of this rivalry. It used to be Luka vs. the world; now it’s a desperate Dallas team trying to prove they can build a winner around a different kind of superstar.
The Knicks fans, predictably, haven't been quiet about it. They’ve spent the last few seasons watching their team get better while Dallas scrambled. It’s a complete reversal of the power dynamic we saw three or four years ago.
💡 You might also like: Missouri vs Alabama Football: What Really Happened at Faurot Field
Practical Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're betting or just watching, keep an eye on the injury report right up until tip-off. Dallas is notoriously cagey about Anthony Davis's status. If he’s out, the Knicks will likely run away with it.
- Watch the Paint: The Knicks are punishing teams inside. If Dallas allows more than 50 points in the paint, they lose. Period.
- Check the Spread: New York has struggled lately against the spread, going 3-7 in their last 10. They win, but they don't always cover.
- Cooper Flagg’s Minutes: If Dallas is going to pull an upset, they need 35+ minutes of elite production from the rookie.
The Dallas Mavericks vs Knicks rivalry isn't just about Jalen Brunson anymore. It’s about a New York team that has finally arrived and a Dallas team that is desperately trying not to fade into irrelevance.
To get the most out of this matchup, track the defensive rotations in the first quarter. Specifically, see if Dallas tries to double-team Brunson early or if they trust their guards to hold him in single coverage. You should also monitor the rebounding totals by the half; if KAT and Mitchell Robinson are dominating the glass, the Mavericks' chances of a road win drop significantly. Focus on the "points off turnovers" stat—this is where the Knicks usually break the game open against younger rosters like Dallas.