The Golden State Warriors rallied to beat the New York Knicks 126‑113 on January 16, 2026, securing their second consecutive victory and lifting their record to 23‑19. The win propelled the Warriors back into the Western Conference’s top eight, reigniting their playoff hopes.
Game Overview
Golden State overcame an early deficit to dominate the final three quarters, showcasing a balanced attack led by Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. New York struggled without key guard Jalen Brunson, despite strong performances from rookie Bryce Anunoby and rookie Jaden McBride.
First Quarter: Knicks Surge
The Knicks opened aggressively, using Mikal Bridges’ drives and Devin Booker’s perimeter shooting to build a 17‑point lead (48‑31). Anunoby’s hard‑nosed defense and inside scoring kept New York ahead, while the Warriors appeared sluggish and failed to connect early.
Second Quarter: Warriors Turnaround
Stephen Curry sparked the comeback with two consecutive three‑pointers, and Butler’s pick‑and‑roll finishes trimmed the gap. Although McBride nailed a crucial three‑pointer for the Knicks, Golden State outscored New York 32‑24 in the period, taking a 2‑point lead (63‑61) into halftime.
Third Quarter: Warriors Extend Lead
Curry stayed hot, adding five points in four minutes, while Butler hit two key threes. The Warriors posted a 37‑28 third‑quarter edge, expanding the lead to double digits (100‑87) and setting the tone for the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Closing Out
New York attempted a comeback after a timeout, with Anunoby scoring his 12th point, but Golden State’s bench responded. Moody contributed 21 points, and Green delivered several decisive steals, helping the Warriors seal a 126‑113 victory.
Key Stats & Player Highlights
- Jimmy Butler – 32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
- Stephen Curry – 27 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds
- Bryce Anunoby (Knicks) – 25 points, 5 rebounds
- Jaden McBride (Knicks) – 25 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
Season Impact & Outlook
The win marks the Warriors’ 42nd regular‑season game of the 2025‑26 campaign and moves them back into the Western Conference’s eighth spot. Despite missing Klay Thompson, Golden State proved its depth with Butler and Curry leading the charge. The Knicks fall to 20‑23, remaining 11th in the Eastern Conference and facing a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Future Matchups
Next, the Warriors travel to Los Angeles to test their defense against the Lakers, a crucial game for solidifying their playoff positioning. The Knicks must quickly improve perimeter defense and rebounding as they prepare for the Celtics.
Conclusion
Golden State displayed resilience and tactical execution to overturn a early deficit, while New York showed flashes of talent that were insufficient to secure the win. Both teams have pivotal games ahead that will shape their playoff trajectories.