Tale of Two Halves (the second one was better)

Final Score: Knicks 128 - Mavs 113
Record: 45-26

The Mavs limped into MSG on Tuesday night, missing seven rotation players (not including Luka Doncic, who they decided to dump). Considering the Knicks were relatively healthy and had the rest advantage (Dallas was on the second night of a back-to-back), New York was expected to steamroll the visitors.

However, the Knicks inexcusably played with minimal effort on the defensive end in the first half. The Mavs got open looks on countless possessions and scored 68 points over the contest's first 24 minutes, shooting over 65% from the floor and 50% from behind the arc. Naji Marshall tied Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Doncic for the most FGs made in a half (13) vs. New York.

The good news is that New York flipped the switch after halftime, putting the clamps on the lowly and worn-down Mavericks. Dallas scored just 16 points in the quarter, shooting 4-of-18 from the floor (22%), including 1-of-7 from three-point range. The Knicks' defensive effort allowed the home team to build a 15-point advantage heading into the final frame and cruise to victory.

Because the Knicks won, we can, without reticence, highlight some remarkable record-setting offensive performances.