New York Knicks: 20 greatest performances at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks acknowledges the crowd as he leaves a game against the Charlotte Bobcats after scoring his team record 62nd point at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2014 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bobcats 125-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks Jamal Crawford (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

13. Jamal Crawford, 52 points: Jan. 26, 2007

Jamal Crawford, still in the NBA, has played since 2000, when the Chicago Bulls traded for his rights on draft night. Four years later, they sent him to the Knicks as part of the Isiah Thomas era in the front office.

Crawford found some success in New York, with 17.6 points per game in parts of five seasons. That was capitalized on in arguably his best statistical year at 20.6 points and 5.0 assists in the 2006-07 season.

In the middle of this campaign, the future NBA Sixth Man of the Year uncovered a career night as a 26-year-old in his prime: 52 points on 20-for-30 shooting and 8-of-10 from 3-point range. A stellar night for a 19-26 Knicks squad that rolled over the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade‘s 37 points, 116-96.

Crawford’s dominance happened in the second and third quarters, unleashing a combined 43 points, which made up most of New York’s production in both periods. Nothing anyone on Miami’s perimeter, even Wade, could do to stop him, making for an outstanding evening at The Garden.

This performance became Crawford’s second 50-point game in his career, achieving three total as of the 2018-19 season. His ability to score in bunches always created this high upside. It came to fruition to contribute towards a prolonged lifespan in the Association.