Knicks Coach Discusses Bench Decisions Ahead of Playoffs
After managing player rotations during Game 2, Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed his trust in the players currently on the court. Notably, he kept Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench simultaneously, prompting discussions about his approach.
As the team prepared to leave Tarrytown for Atlanta, Brown mentioned the possibility of adjustments as the playoffs progress. “Everything’s really up for discussion,” he remarked when asked about sticking to the same lineup. “We might tweak things defensively or offensively. I’m generally pleased with how the team’s performing, no matter the five players on the floor.”
He added, “Things changed throughout the season for both offense and defense. In the playoffs, anything should be reconsidered, but for now, I’m satisfied with where we are.”
The first time Brunson and Towns were benched together happened after Jordan Clarkson took Brunson’s place between the first and second quarters, while Towns had already been substituted out. At that moment, the Knicks were ahead 32-23, but by the time both re-entered midway through the second quarter, their lead had narrowed. They fell behind briefly before regaining a five-point advantage.
Brown held off on bringing them back for the last 1:50 of the third quarter and the first 4:04 of the fourth. When they finally returned, about eight minutes remained, and the Knicks held a nine-point lead, a reduction from an earlier 12-point edge.
Meanwhile, the Knicks bench struggled in the first two games of the series, especially when Brunson and Towns were sidelined. However, Brown remains confident for the time being.
CJ McCollum, for his part, sidestepped expectations of taking on a “villain” persona during this series. After scoring 32 points in a previous game and facing fans with hostile chants, he referred to the atmosphere as simply “hostile,” noting his teammate’s praise for how he silenced the Knicks crowd.
“It’s just fans booing and cheering,” McCollum said in Atlanta. “I think it’s pretty trivial when you look at it. I’m here to compete, but I’m really not focused on fan recognition. My priority is my family and personal goals.”
This Thursday marks the Hawks’ first home postseason game since 2023, with expectations of a loud crowd at State Farm Arena.
“Sure, Knicks fans will be there, but ATL fans will show up too,” Okongwu remarked. “I can’t wait for Thursday night.”
Additionally, Atlanta backup center Jock Landale will miss another game due to a high ankle sprain.
