Knicks Preseason Under Mike Brown Focuses on Freestyle Play

Mike Brown’s approach to the Knicks’ preseason is all about improvisation. After the team’s recent win, he made it clear that he hasn’t drawn up plays. Instead, his goal is for the players to absorb his strategies regarding pace and movement through instinctive play.

This marks a significant shift from the tenure of Tom Thibodeau, who was known for his hefty playbook, reportedly around five inches thick according to Miles McBride.

Brown believes that since the Knicks don’t rely heavily on plays during games, this is the perfect time for players to get comfortable with a more fluid style of basketball. “We want to play like this most of the time,” he explained. “Everyone has their roles, and we’ll determine play calls later. Right now, especially in preseason, it’s about learning to take what the defense gives us.”

As expected, this approach led to some rough patches during a recent overtime victory against the Timberwolves, with the team managing only 38 points at halftime—far from what Brown envisions for a high-efficiency offense.

Despite missing a lot of open three-point attempts, the Knicks remain optimistic about their development. Players like Mikal Bridges express that the fast-paced approach helps make it tougher for the defense, saying, “Having a concept and just reading it makes it difficult for the defense because both sides are reacting in real time.”

He did acknowledge that as the game slows down towards the end, having set plays becomes more crucial. “In the first three quarters, we’re just running and making the right reads,” he added. “We don’t really need to be too theatrical.”

Bridges, who thrives on quick cuts and fast breaks, appears to be benefiting from this more unstructured style, as does McBride, known for his athleticism and impressive performances in the preseason games.

“The coach can call a play anytime, and we need to be ready for it,” McBride mentioned. “But reading the game and reacting is key.”

As the Knicks prepare for the regular season, the question remains: can they implement plays effectively after focusing so much on free play during the preseason? “If that’s his philosophy, we’ll do our best to adapt,” McBride said.

Thibodeau, previously, emphasized meticulous preparation and play execution. In contrast, Brown’s method leans towards instinctive basketball, advocating for a more fluid system that often sees Jalen Brunson playing away from the ball.

“It’s all about the fundamentals and understanding how we can trust one another,” Brunson shared. He acknowledged that while the transition might not always be seamless, the key is to remain open to learning and adapting.

Brown praised Mitchell Robinson’s impressive alley-oop and recounted how Brunson’s positioning created opportunities, emphasizing the importance of spacing and floor movement. “When Jalen fills the corner, it makes the defense hesitant, leading to plays like that,” he noted. “It’s these small moments that, while they may not show up in stats, can elevate our offense.”