The Miami Heat secured a dramatic 115-113 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night, November 17, 2025, in an absolute Heat Knicks Thriller that saw the Knicks mount a furious late rally before ultimately falling short. This pivotal win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Heat and avenged a prior 140-132 loss to the Knicks just days before, adding another chapter to their intense rivalry.
Heat Survive Knicks’ Late Surge in a Close Basketball Game
Miami held a significant lead late in the game, extending it to 10 points with just over three minutes remaining. However, the Knicks, led by a strong fourth-quarter performance from Miles McBride, clawed their way back into the game. McBride scored 13 of his game-high 25 points in the final period. A pivotal moment in this Heat Knicks Thriller came when Karl-Anthony Towns hit a three-pointer with 22.4 seconds left, cutting the deficit to a single point and setting up a dramatic finish for this NBA game recap.
Davion Mitchell then made one of two free throws to push Miami’s lead to 115-113 with just 21.4 seconds remaining. The game’s final possession was fraught with tension, including a controversial NBA call on Kel’el Ware that was ultimately overturned after review. The Knicks had a chance to tie or win the game, but subsequent missed shots, including two offensive rebounds and attempts by Towns, failed to find the basket as time expired in this nail-biting Heat Knicks Thriller.
Key Performances Shine in the Heat Knicks Thriller
Norman Powell led the Miami Heat in scoring with 19 points, showcasing his offensive capabilities in this intense NBA game analysis. He was one of seven Heat players to score in double figures. Kel’el Ware was a significant force for Miami, contributing 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Ware also made a crucial block on Towns late in the game that helped preserve the Heat’s lead in this thrilling NBA game recap. Davion Mitchell provided a spark off the bench for Miami with 18 points. Other notable scorers for the Heat included Simone Fontecchio (14 points), Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson (13 points each), and Dru Smith (11 points).
Miles McBride spearheaded the Knicks’ effort with 25 points, while Mikal Bridges added 23. Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong all-around performance with 22 points and 16 rebounds, though his late misses proved costly in this Miami Heat vs Knicks matchup. Jordan Clarkson and Josh Hart chipped in 14 points each for New York, demonstrating the Knicks late rally.
Injury Concerns and Team Dynamics in the Heat Knicks Thriller
Both teams were hampered by key injuries entering the matchup. The Knicks were without starting point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) and forward OG Anunoby (hamstring). The Heat were missing Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle). These absences likely contributed to the altered pace of the game compared to their previous encounter, which saw the Knicks score a season-high, making this Heat Knicks Thriller all the more remarkable.
Despite the injuries, the Knicks demonstrated resilience, particularly with their bench contributing significantly. Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Josh Hart were noted for their offensive output in a prior game. In this contest, the Knicks’ bench scoring, while present with 14 points from Hart and Clarkson, was outmatched by Miami’s 43-28 advantage in bench points during this close basketball game.
Rivalry Context and Future Outlook for the Heat Knicks Thriller
The rivalry between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks has a storied history, marked by intense playoff battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While the current iteration of the rivalry might not carry the same level of animosity, the games often remain competitive. This latest close contest underscores the ongoing competitive nature between these two Eastern Conference matchup franchises, culminating in this memorable Heat Knicks Thriller.
The Heat, by snapping their skid, will look to build momentum as they continue their season. The Knicks, despite the frustrating loss in this NBA game recap, will need to regroup and contend with their injury situations as they prepare for upcoming games. The Heat are scheduled to host Golden State next, while the Knicks will travel to Dallas.
