Knicks Adjust Lineup for Matchup Against Celtics

Knicks head coach Mike Brown decided to tweak his starting lineup for the game against the Celtics, bringing out the same five players who contributed to Wednesday’s season-opening victory over the Cavaliers.

Miles McBride stepped up as a starter, replacing big man Ariel Hukporti, instead of coming off the bench.

Joining McBride were Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, together leading the team to a 105-95 win at Madison Square Garden.

Brown noted that “everyone on the floor was shooting at a pretty high level.” He emphasized the versatility of the lineup—“All of them can make plays for themselves and their teammates,” which adds a layer of protection for everyone involved. He acknowledged that while there are many interchangeable parts on defense, the players adapt well, maintaining speed that can surprise opponents, especially when contrasting the traditional big lineups.

In the game, McBride contributed with 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists over 31 minutes.

Brown mentioned he made the change due to the Celtics fielding a smaller lineup with four guards, which prompted him to adapt strategically.

“I didn’t know how fair it was for Ariel and KAT to start the match guarding one of these guards,” he said. He expressed confidence in the team’s versatility and their ability to play in various ways.

Looking ahead, Brown expects center Mitchell Robinson to travel with the team moving forward. Robinson, who missed the first two games due to managing a left ankle issue, had also sat out the last two preseason games. The team maintains that his absence is precautionary and not due to an injury.

In an initiative to recognize defensive prowess, the Knicks will honor a Defensive Player of the Game this season. For their recent game, the award went to Jordan Clarkson, who performed well during his 16 minutes on the court, contributing to a 12-point advantage against the Celtics.

“Jordan ended up being the defensive player of the game because he inspired us defensively, but it could have been anyone,” Brown remarked, highlighting the collective effort of players like Tyler Kolek and Josh Hart, who also made significant defensive contributions.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as Anunoby had to exit the game late in the fourth quarter due to cramps but was deemed capable of returning if necessary.