Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats: Key Players & Full Game Analysis
Game Introduction
The latest clash of the New York Knicks vs Phoenix Suns delivered a tight, tactical battle inside Madison Square Garden on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Both teams entered with momentum, making this matchup one of the most anticipated NBA stat games of the week.
Fans following Vector Digest know games like this often come down to execution, not hype. This one followed that script—efficient shooting runs, defensive stretches, and key bench bursts shaped the final outcome.
Result Recap and Match Highlights
The Suns defeated the Knicks 106–99, controlling key moments in the second half and finishing stronger in crunch time. Phoenix shot 41.5% from the field and knocked down 15 three-pointers, while New York posted 40.2% shooting with 14 threes but struggled with turnovers.
The difference came from efficiency and ball security. Phoenix committed only 12 turnovers compared to New York’s 17, and that gap proved decisive as possessions became more valuable late in the game.
Overall Team Performance Analysis
Phoenix Suns Game Flow Analysis
Phoenix played with patience and spacing. Their offense didn’t rush shots, instead working the ball for clean looks beyond the arc. The team also shot an elite 85.2% from the free-throw line, which quietly built their lead possession by possession.
Defensively, they stayed active in passing lanes, recording 9 steals and forcing New York into rushed decisions. Their balanced scoring attack made it hard for the Knicks to key in on a single threat.
New York Knicks Game Flow Analysis
New York showed strong rebounding control with 47 total boards, including 15 offensive rebounds that created second-chance opportunities. Inside presence and hustle kept them close most of the night.
However, the Knicks’ 17 turnovers disrupted rhythm and stopped scoring runs before they could grow. Despite solid ball movement with 20 assists, those lost possessions prevented them from overtaking Phoenix late.
Phoenix Suns Standout Player Stats
1. Devin Booker
Stats
- Points: 27
- FG: 7/18 (38.9%)
- 3PT: 1/5 (20.0%)
- FT: 12/14 (85.7%)
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 4
- Turnovers: 4
- Minutes: 38:10
Performance Insight: Booker dictated the Suns’ offensive tempo all night. Even when his shot wasn’t falling from deep, he attacked the rim and drew fouls consistently, stacking free throws that stabilized Phoenix’s scoring during Knicks momentum runs.
2. Grayson Allen
Stats
- Points: 16
- FG: 4/14 (28.6%)
- 3PT: 4/13 (30.8%)
- FT: 4/4 (100%)
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 1
- Turnovers: 1
- +/-: +15
Performance Insight: Allen stretched New York’s defense with relentless perimeter shooting. His willingness to keep firing forced defenders to stay attached, opening driving lanes for teammates and helping Phoenix maintain offensive spacing.
3. Mark Williams
Stats
- Points: 14
- FG: 5/8 (62.5%)
- FT: 4/6 (66.7%)
- Offensive Rebounds: 5
- Total Rebounds: 9
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 2
- Minutes: 25:28
Performance Insight: Williams dominated inside with efficiency and physicality. His offensive boards created extra possessions, and his interior presence forced Knicks defenders to collapse, which indirectly fueled Phoenix’s perimeter attack.
4. Jordan Goodwin
Stats
- Points: 13
- FG: 5/6 (83.3%)
- 3PT: 3/4 (75.0%)
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 2
- Turnovers: 0
- +/-: +18
Performance Insight: Goodwin delivered one of the most efficient performances of the game. He scored without forcing shots and made quick decisions, which kept Phoenix’s offense flowing smoothly whenever starters rested.
5. Collin Gillespie
Stats
- Points: 11
- FG: 4/10 (40.0%)
- 3PT: 2/5 (40.0%)
- FT: 1/1 (100%)
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 1
- Turnovers: 2
Performance Insight: Gillespie played the role of floor general perfectly. His six assists showed strong court vision, and he kept the offense organized under pressure, especially during Knicks defensive runs.
Bench Impact of Suns
Phoenix’s depth proved vital. Ryan Dunn added 8 points on 75% shooting, while Oso Ighodaro contributed hustle plays and defense. Their bench efficiency shifted momentum in short bursts and prevented scoring droughts.
New York Standout Players Stats
1. Karl-Anthony Towns
Stats
- Points: 23
- FG: 7/16 (43.8%)
- 3PT: 3/8 (37.5%)
- FT: 6/6 (100%)
- Rebounds: 11
- Assists: 2
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 3
Performance Insight: Towns anchored the Knicks offensively and on the glass. His inside-outside scoring forced Phoenix to adjust defensively, and his rebounding kept New York within striking distance throughout the contest.
2. Miles McBride
Stats
- Points: 23
- FG: 9/18 (50.0%)
- 3PT: 5/12 (41.7%)
- Rebounds: 2
- Assists: 5
- Steals: 2
- Turnovers: 0
- Minutes: 36:20
Performance Insight: McBride matched the game’s top scoring output with fearless shot-making. His perimeter accuracy sparked several Knicks rallies, and his zero turnovers highlight how controlled his performance truly was.
3. OG Anunoby
Stats
- Points: 21
- FG: 6/17 (35.3%)
- 3PT: 1/7 (14.3%)
- FT: 8/10 (80.0%)
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 5
- Steals: 3
- Blocks: 1
Performance Insight: Anunoby impacted nearly every phase of the game. Even with inefficient shooting, his defense, rebounding, and playmaking made him one of the Knicks’ most influential players on both ends.
4. Mikal Bridges
Stats
- Points: 15
- FG: 6/12 (50.0%)
- 3PT: 3/6 (50.0%)
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 3
Performance Insight: Bridges provided efficient scoring and perimeter defense. His ability to hit timely threes kept the Knicks competitive, while his defensive activity created transition opportunities.
5. Jordan Clarkson
Stats
- Points: 6
- FG: 2/8 (25.0%)
- 3PT: 1/4 (25.0%)
- FT: 1/2 (50.0%)
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 0
- Turnovers: 1
- Minutes: 21:57
Performance Insight: Clarkson struggled to find rhythm offensively, but his shot creation still drew defensive attention. Even on a tough shooting night, he helped space the floor and kept defenders occupied.
Bench Contribution of Knicks
Reserve minutes brought mixed results for New York. Mitchell Robinson grabbed 10 rebounds, providing interior toughness, while Landry Shamet added 5 points. Still, overall bench scoring lagged behind Phoenix’s second unit.
Side-by-Side Team Metrics
| Game Stat | Phoenix Suns | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 41.5% | 40.2% |
| Three-Point % | 35.7% | 31.8% |
| Free Throw % | 85.2% | 76.0% |
| Total Rebounds | 37 | 47 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Assists | 22 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 17 |
| Total Points | 106 | 99 |
Phoenix didn’t dominate every category, but they won the most important ones. Shooting efficiency and fewer turnovers gave them a mathematical edge that outweighed New York’s rebounding advantage.
Key Runs That Changed the Game
The biggest swing came late in the third quarter when Phoenix’s bench unit sparked a scoring burst. Quick threes and steals turned a tight contest into a multi-possession cushion.
New York pushed back behind Miles McBride’s perimeter shooting, but each comeback attempt was slowed by turnovers. Those lost possessions stopped rhythm and let Phoenix reset defensively.
Tactical Turning Points
- Phoenix’s free-throw efficiency (85.2%) ensured they capitalized on contact situations.
- Knicks’ 17 turnovers erased their rebounding dominance.
- Suns bench outplayed Knicks reserves in efficiency and plus/minus impact.
Games like this show why analysts often stress possession value. In modern NBA matchups, efficiency beats volume almost every time.
Knicks vs Suns Timeline
| Date | Season | Winner | Score | Location | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 17, 2026 | 2025–26 | Suns | 106–99 | New York | Devin Booker (27 pts) |
| Jan 9, 2026 | 2025–26 | Suns | 112–107 | Phoenix | Devin Booker (31 pts) |
| Apr 3, 2025 | 2024–25 | Knicks | 124–109 | Phoenix | Jalen Brunson (35 pts) |
| Nov 20, 2024 | 2024–25 | Knicks | 138–122 | Phoenix | Jalen Brunson (36 pts) |
Last Meeting Result Snapshot
Before this contest, the teams last met on Friday, January 9, 2026, when the Suns edged the Knicks 112–107. That game featured late-quarter scoring swings and clutch free throws that sealed Phoenix’s win.
That result added tension to the rematch, giving New York a clear revenge motive heading into this latest showdown.
FAQs
Q1. Who was the top scorer in Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats?
Devin Booker led all players with 27 points, using aggressive drives and free-throw accuracy to maintain Phoenix’s scoring consistency across all four quarters.
Q2. Which team shot better overall?
Phoenix shot slightly better from the field at 41.5%, compared to New York’s 40.2%, a small margin that still influenced the final result.
Q3. What stat hurt the Knicks most?
Turnovers. New York committed 17 compared to Phoenix’s 12, giving the Suns extra possessions that translated directly into scoring chances.
Q4. Who led the Knicks in rebounds?
Karl-Anthony Towns controlled the glass with 11 rebounds, anchoring New York’s interior presence throughout the matchup.
Q5. Did bench players affect the outcome?
Yes. Phoenix’s bench posted strong efficiency and positive plus/minus numbers, helping them maintain leads while starters rested.
Q6. How did three-point shooting compare?
The Suns shot 35.7% from deep, while the Knicks hit 31.8%. That difference added nine extra points from long range for Phoenix.
Q7. Why did Phoenix win despite fewer rebounds?
They balanced scoring, protected the ball, and converted free throws. Efficiency across possessions outweighed New York’s rebounding advantage.
Game Conclusion
The Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Match tell a clear story: efficiency, discipline, and depth win tight games. Phoenix executed cleaner offense and made fewer mistakes, which proved decisive.
New York showed flashes of dominance but couldn’t sustain momentum long enough. If these teams meet again, turnover control will likely decide the result.
