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NBA · Final

Knicks Edge Heat in Thrilling Madison Square Garden Clash

Sunday, December 21, 2025, 6:00 PM ET · Madison Square Garden

New York Knicks 132, Miami Heat 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Miami Heat vs New York Knicks?

New York Knicks beat Miami Heat 132-125 at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2025.

Who was favored in Miami Heat vs New York Knicks?

New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -290 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.

The New York Knicks secured a narrow victory over the Miami Heat, finishing the game with a score of 132 to 125 at Madison Square Garden. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the fifth encounter between the two teams this season, with the series now tied at 2-2. The game showcased the intense rivalry between these franchises, both of which have had their share of ups and downs in recent weeks.

The Knicks entered the game with a strong home record of 20-8, having won eight of their last ten games, although they faced a setback in their previous outing against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 107-116. Despite this loss, the Knicks have averaged 119.8 points scored and allowed only 109.6 points per game over their last ten, indicating a robust offensive and defensive performance overall. At home, they have been particularly effective, holding a 5-1 record in their last six games.

In contrast, the Miami Heat have struggled recently, with a record of 15-14 overall and only 3 wins in their last 10 games, averaging 113.1 points scored and 116.2 points allowed. Their most recent game ended in a loss to the Boston Celtics, where they fell short with a score of 116-129. The Heat's away record has been less than stellar, with just one win in their last five away games.

The injury situation for both teams added an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson and Mohamed Diawara were both listed as day-to-day, dealing with wrist and finger issues, respectively. Meanwhile, the Heat had several key players with uncertain statuses, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Trevor Keels, Ryan Conwell, and Myron Gardner, all of whom were also day-to-day with various injuries. The presence or absence of these players could significantly impact the teams' performances.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Knicks with a spread of -7.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win at home. The total points line was set at 236.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair given both teams' offensive capabilities.

Conditions in Madison Square Garden were conducive to an exciting game, with a charged atmosphere as fans rallied behind the Knicks. The crowd's energy likely played a role in the Knicks' ability to maintain their composure during critical moments of the game.

As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of thrilling scoring plays, particularly in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson made crucial free throws, contributing to the Knicks' late-game lead. Jaime Jaquez Jr. also made significant contributions for the Heat, showcasing his scoring ability with a key two-point shot. The Knicks managed to hold off the Heat's attempts to close the gap, ultimately sealing the victory with a combination of strategic plays and solid free-throw shooting.

In summary, the Knicks' victory over the Heat was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure at home. With both teams tied in their season series, the rivalry continues to be a compelling narrative in the NBA this season.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsNY -7.5 236.5 o -108 / u -112 Miami Heat +235 · New York Knicks -290

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
  • Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
  • Giannis AntetokounmpoDay-To-DayKneeMiami Heat
  • Bam AdebayoDay-To-DayBackMiami Heat
  • Trevor KeelsDay-To-DayKneeMiami Heat
  • Ryan ConwellDay-To-DayHipMiami Heat
  • Myron GardnerDay-To-DayAnkleMiami Heat

Leaders

  • PointsJalen Brunson47New York Knicks
  • AssistsJalen Brunson8New York Knicks
  • ReboundsJosh Hart10New York Knicks
  • PointsKel'el Ware28Miami Heat
  • AssistsDavion Mitchell8Miami Heat
  • ReboundsKel'el Ware19Miami Heat

Recent form

New York Knicks

Last 10: 8-2Streak L1119.8 scored · 109.6 allowed per game5-1 at home

  • L107-116vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 20
  • W114-113at Indiana PacersDec 19
  • W124-113vs San Antonio SpursDec 17
  • W132-120at Orlando MagicDec 13
  • W117-101at Toronto RaptorsDec 10
  • W106-100vs Orlando MagicDec 7
  • W146-112vs Utah JazzDec 6
  • W119-104vs Charlotte HornetsDec 4
  • L117-123at Boston CelticsDec 3
  • W116-94vs Toronto RaptorsNov 30

Miami Heat

Last 10: 3-7Streak L1113.1 scored · 116.2 allowed per game1-4 away

  • L116-129at Boston CelticsDec 20
  • W106-95at Brooklyn NetsDec 19
  • L96-106vs Toronto RaptorsDec 16
  • L108-117at Orlando MagicDec 9
  • L111-127vs Sacramento KingsDec 7
  • L105-106at Orlando MagicDec 6
  • L108-118at Dallas MavericksDec 4
  • W140-123vs LA ClippersDec 2
  • L135-138vs Detroit PistonsNov 30
  • W106-103vs Milwaukee BucksNov 27

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Atlanta-36L1.56146
Orlando137L1.54945
Charlotte238W1.53744
Miami339W2.52443
Washington2965L10.20717
Boston-26W2.68356
New York329L1.64653
Toronto1036W1.56146
Philadelphia1137W2.54945
Brooklyn3662L3.24420

Box score

StatMiami HeatNew York Knicks
Field goals41-8747-85
Field goal %4755
Three-pointers17-3520-38
Three-point %4953
Free throws26-3518-21
Free throw %7486
Rebounds4536
Offensive rebounds124
Defensive rebounds3332
Assists2628
Steals57
Blocks13
Turnovers1112
Team turnovers01
Technical fouls01
Technical fouls, total01
Flagrant fouls10
Points off turnovers1216
Fast-break points1015
Points in the paint4646
Fouls1425
Largest lead1011
Lead changes55
Time in front3861

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter93-98OG Anunoby makes running dunk
  2. 3rd Quarter93-100Jordan Clarkson makes driving layup
  3. 3rd Quarter93-102Mitchell Robinson makes alley oop dunk (Jalen Brunson assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter96-102Norman Powell makes 25-foot three pointer
  5. 3rd Quarter99-102Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 22-foot three point step back jumpshot (Dru Smith assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter99-104Mitchell Robinson makes dunk (OG Anunoby assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter99-105Mitchell Robinson makes free throw 1 of 1
  8. 4th Quarter99-106OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 3
  9. 4th Quarter99-107OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 3
  10. 4th Quarter100-107Simone Fontecchio makes free throw 2 of 2
  11. 4th Quarter100-108OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
  12. 4th Quarter100-109OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
  13. 4th Quarter100-111Tyler Kolek makes two point shot
  14. 4th Quarter102-111Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 6-foot fade away jump shot
  15. 4th Quarter104-111Bam Adebayo makes 12-foot fade away jump shot (Dru Smith assists)
  16. 4th Quarter105-111Bam Adebayo makes free throw 1 of 2
  17. 4th Quarter106-111Bam Adebayo makes free throw 2 of 2
  18. 4th Quarter106-114Mikal Bridges makes 25-foot three pointer (Jalen Brunson assists)
  19. 4th Quarter106-117Josh Hart makes 27-foot three pointer
  20. 4th Quarter107-117Kel'el Ware makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 4th Quarter109-117Kel'el Ware makes 9-foot alley oop dunk (Norman Powell assists)
  22. 4th Quarter110-117Bam Adebayo makes free throw 1 of 2
  23. 4th Quarter111-117Bam Adebayo makes free throw 2 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter111-120Jalen Brunson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mitchell Robinson assists)
  25. 4th Quarter112-120Bam Adebayo makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter113-120Bam Adebayo makes free throw 2 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter116-120Kel'el Ware makes 25-foot three point jumper (Davion Mitchell assists)
  28. 4th Quarter117-120Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
  29. 4th Quarter118-120Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter118-122Josh Hart makes layup (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
  31. 4th Quarter118-125Mikal Bridges makes 22-foot three point jumper (OG Anunoby assists)
  32. 4th Quarter118-126Jalen Brunson makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
  33. 4th Quarter118-127Jalen Brunson makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
  34. 4th Quarter118-128Jalen Brunson makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
  35. 4th Quarter120-128Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 6-foot two point shot
  36. 4th Quarter120-130OG Anunoby makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Josh Hart assists)
  37. 4th Quarter123-130Davion Mitchell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaime Jaquez Jr. assists)
  38. 4th Quarter123-131Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter123-132Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter125-132Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot

Win probability

Above the line favours New York Knicks, below favours Miami Heat.

Venue

  • Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
  • Attendance19812
  • OfficialsBrian Forte, Phenizee Ransom, Nick Buchert

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.