Mike Brown, head coach of the New York Knicks, has recently made adjustments to his starting lineup for the 2025/26 NBA season, particularly during the opening weeks. As the team navigates injury challenges, Brown opted for a smaller lineup featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride. This decision comes in light of OG Anunoby’s recovery from a hamstring strain and Mitchell Robinson’s reduced role as a consistent starter. Landry Shamet, who would typically step in for Anunoby, is also currently sidelined due to his own injury.
The revised lineup has seen success in recent games, with the Knicks securing victories against Brooklyn and Charlotte this week. Brown expressed a commitment to “stay with it to see what direction it goes,” emphasizing the unpredictability of the league. According to Brunson, the chemistry among these five players is evident, as they were key contributors during the previous season alongside Anunoby.
Despite the promising offensive potential of this smaller group, statistical analysis reveals that their performance has not been stellar. The Brunson-Towns-Bridges-Hart-McBride combination has recorded a concerning net rating of -10.3 over 35 minutes of play, suggesting room for improvement.
As the season progresses, the Knicks are optimistic that their adjusted lineup can capitalize on its offensive capabilities while waiting for key players like Anunoby to return to full fitness. With Brown at the helm, there is a sense of hope that the team will find the right rhythm as they continue to adapt to challenges and seek success on the court.