Mike Brown Evaluates Knicks Lineup Amid Concerns
Mike Brown has some reservations about his starting lineup, yet he’s not planning to make any changes just yet. “I don’t feel the need for it right now,” he expressed after the Knicks narrowly beat the shorthanded Warriors 110-107 but later found themselves down 21 points in the opening quarter. “But if I see a reason to shift things around, I will.”
The Knicks’ starting five typically features Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns when everyone is healthy. However, this lineup faces challenges, particularly with Hart dealing with an injury.
Landry Shamet has stepped up as a dependable alternative. Nevertheless, Bridges has struggled, leading to his benching in the fourth quarter of the recent game.
Bridges only managed to play 21 minutes as Shamet and Jordan Clarkson took on the bulk of the two-guard duties. “It’s never too late to change things,” Brown noted about potential lineup adjustments. “Right now, I’m not thinking about individuals too much, considering we’ve had a variety of starters.”
Reflecting on their performance, Brown admitted he was unhappy with the team’s slow starts in four of their last five games. Although they’ve clinched three consecutive victories, it’s worth noting that those wins came against weaker opponents.
In related news, Warriors coach Steve Kerr reiterated his call for a shorter season, recognizing that it might improve the quality of play. Hart shared his thoughts, agreeing it could enhance the game but raising concerns about the financial implications for owners and players. “Is it going to be better for the game? I think so. Will it happen though? Probably not, given how money-driven everyone is,” Hart remarked, emphasizing that financial interests often take precedence.
Kerr believes that a reduced schedule could help players sustain their performance and reduce injuries. The decline in viewership for recent prime-time games serves as a stark reminder of the current challenges facing the league.
Aside from Miles McBride, the Knicks are healthy, contrasting sharply with the Warriors, who were missing several key players, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Kerr reflected on the burdens faced by veteran players like Curry and Al Horford, emphasizing the need for workload management throughout the season. He often hears from fans frustrated that they spend a lot on tickets only to find star players sitting out. “Shouldn’t we address that somehow?” he questioned.
In a bold statement, Kerr mentioned he would even consider a pay cut to uphold the quality of the game. “I’d be willing to do it because delivering a better product matters most,” he asserted.
