So, the question on everyone’s mind right now in the city: did the New York Knicks win today? If you’re checking the score for Saturday, January 17, 2026, the short answer is that the game is still in the air or just about to tip off. The Knicks are back home at Madison Square Garden tonight to face the Phoenix Suns. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
It’s been a rough week for the orange and blue. Honestly, the vibes haven't been great lately. After a grueling West Coast trip where they dropped games to both the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors, fans are itching for a win. Specifically, that 126-113 loss to the Warriors on Thursday night was a bit of a reality check.
The Knicks vs. Suns Matchup Details
Tonight is a revenge game. Plain and simple. Back on January 9, the Knicks lost a close one in Phoenix, falling 112-107. Tonight at the Garden, the oddsmakers have the Knicks as 4.5-point favorites. They really need this one to stay in the hunt for the top of the Atlantic Division.
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The Knicks are currently sitting at 25-16. That’s solid, but when you look at how tight the Eastern Conference is this year, every single game at the Garden feels like a playoff preview. Jalen Brunson has been carrying a massive load, averaging over 28 points a game. He’s going to need more help from the supporting cast tonight if they want to avoid a season sweep by the Suns.
Key Stats to Watch
- Knicks Record: 25-16 (16-4 at home).
- Suns Record: 24-17 (10-12 on the road).
- Last Meeting: Suns won 112-107.
- The Big Number: 118.9. That’s how many points the Knicks are averaging per game, which is top-ten in the league.
Why Tonight Matters So Much
The Knicks are currently second in the Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics are breathing down their necks. Seriously, it's that close. A win tonight doesn't just help the record; it stops the bleeding. Losing three in a row is never fun, especially when you're supposed to be a contender.
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Karl-Anthony Towns has been a beast on the boards lately. In that loss to Golden State, he grabbed 20 rebounds. Think about that for a second. Twenty! But the team's defense has been a little leaky. They gave up 126 to the Warriors and 112 to the Kings right before that. Coach Mike Brown—who’s doing a hell of a job, by the way—is definitely emphasizing the defensive end of the floor in the locker room tonight.
Injuries and Lineup Shuffles
Good news for the Knicks: the roster is mostly healthy. Bad news for the Suns: Devin Booker is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain. If Booker doesn't go, the Knicks have a massive advantage. But you’ve seen this before. Sometimes the "trap game" happens when the other team’s star sits out.
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- Jalen Brunson: Needs to attack the paint early.
- OG Anunoby: Likely tasked with guarding whoever the Suns' primary threat is.
- Mikal Bridges: Needs to find his shooting stroke after a quiet night in San Francisco.
What People Get Wrong About This Team
A lot of critics say the Knicks are "Brunson-dependent." While Jalen is the engine, the trade for KAT and the addition of Mikal Bridges changed the ceiling of this team. They aren't just a grit-and-grind squad anymore. They can actually score. The problem lately hasn't been the talent; it’s been the consistency on the road. Thankfully, they are back in the friendly confines of MSG tonight.
Honestly, the energy at the Garden tonight is going to be electric. There’s something about Saturday night games in New York. The fans know the stakes. If you're looking for the answer to did the New York Knicks win today, check back around 10:00 p.m. ET when the final buzzer sounds.
Actionable Next Steps
- Tune in: Watch the game on MSG Network or NBA TV at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Check the Spread: If you're into betting, the Knicks are -4.5. Given their 16-4 home record, they usually cover at the Garden.
- Follow Live: Keep an eye on the NBA app for real-time box score updates if you can't get to a TV.
- Watch the Standings: See how the result shifts the Knicks' lead over Boston in the Atlantic Division.