The energy outside Madison Square Garden tonight feels different. Usually, the air is electric, thick with that specific brand of New York optimism that only a winning record can buy. But if you're asking what is the score of the knicks game tonight, you might want to brace yourself for a reality check that has nothing to do with the final buzzer and everything to do with a missing superstar.
The Knicks didn't play tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, the "score" for the franchise right now is more about the medical report than the scoreboard. After a brutal 106-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns last night, the team is currently in a holding pattern. They have a scheduled off-day today before they host Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks tomorrow, Monday, January 19. If you’re looking for a number, the most important one is zero—as in zero minutes played by Jalen Brunson over the last two games.
Why the Score of the Knicks Game Tonight is a "No-Show"
It’s easy to get confused with the NBA’s chaotic 82-game marathon. You see the highlights from Saturday night—Miles McBride going off for 23 points, OG Anunoby locking people down—and you assume the train just keeps rolling. But the Knicks are currently licking their wounds.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
The loss to Phoenix yesterday was the third straight defeat for a team that, until very recently, looked like a lock for a top-three seed in the East. They are sitting at 25-17. Third place is still theirs, but the gap is shrinking. Without Brunson, the "score" of the team's morale is definitely taking a hit.
The Saturday Recap: A Game of Runs
If you missed last night's action against the Suns, it was a rollercoaster.
- The Final: 106-99, Phoenix.
- The Hero: Devin Booker, who dropped 27 points in his return from an ankle injury.
- The Knicks Standout: Miles "Deuce" McBride. He’s been averaging 24 points over the last two games.
- The Struggle: New York went 1-for-11 from deep in the final eight minutes. You just can't win like that in 2026.
Looking Ahead: The Score for Monday’s Clash
Since there is no game tonight, all eyes shift to the Monday matinee against Dallas. It’s a 5:00 PM EST tip-off. This isn't just another game. It’s a rematch of a November thriller where the Knicks escaped with a 113-111 win.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
The Mavericks are coming in hot. Klay Thompson just hit his 17,000th career point. They’ve been winning even without their rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, who has been nursing a sprained ankle. The big question for New York is whether the "score" will include Brunson’s name in the starting lineup. He’s officially listed as questionable with that right ankle sprain he picked up against Sacramento.
The Roster Reality
Without Josh Hart (also dealing with an ankle issue) and potentially Brunson, Tom Thibodeau is reaching deep into his pocket. We saw rookie Mohamed Diawara get the start yesterday. He’s a second-rounder, and while he’s got heart, asking a rookie to fill the void of an All-NBA guard is a tall order.
Karl-Anthony Towns is doing his best to anchor the middle, and Mitchell Robinson is still a beast on the boards (10 rebounds last night), but the offensive flow is... clunky. It’s the only word for it. When the ball doesn't go through 11, the Knicks' offensive rating plummeted to the bottom third of the league over this three-game skid.
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
What to Watch for Tomorrow
When you check back for the score tomorrow night, don't just look at the points. Look at the turnovers. McBride has been incredible at taking care of the ball—zero turnovers in 36 minutes against the Suns—but the team needs more than just "not messing up." They need someone to create.
If Brunson remains out, expect Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek to see more run. Clarkson is that "break glass in case of emergency" scorer every team needs, but he hasn't quite found his rhythm in the Garden yet.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Monitor the Injury Report: Check the official NBA injury report two hours before the 5:00 PM Monday tip-off. That’s when the "Questionable" tags usually turn into "Out" or "Active."
- Watch the Bench: If the Knicks can't get 30+ points from their bench against Dallas, they’re in trouble. Keep an eye on Kolek’s playmaking.
- Betting Lines: The Knicks opened as -5.5 favorites, but that line is going to move violently depending on Brunson’s status. If he's ruled out, don't be surprised if this becomes a pick-em game.
The Knicks are in a rough patch, and tonight's silence in the Garden is probably the most rest this fan base is going to get for a while. The schedule gets harder from here, with the Brooklyn Nets and the 76ers looming later this week. Enjoy the night off, because tomorrow is going to be a battle.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Knicks' official social media channels tomorrow around 3:30 PM EST for the definitive word on Jalen Brunson’s availability. If he’s in, the odds of a New York victory skyrocket; if not, prepare for another heavy dose of "Deuce" McBride carrying the load.