The New York Knicks wrapped up their preseason with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden, though the game highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles with player injuries. Coach Mike Brown had hoped to use this final preseason game as a chance to prepare for the upcoming regular-season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but key players were again absent.
Josh Hart has yet to return from a back injury sustained early in the preseason in Abu Dhabi, remaining in sweats during Friday’s contest. Mitchell Robinson’s absence is due to “workload management,” while OG Anunoby missed his third consecutive game due to a tweaked left ankle. Adding to the team’s challenges, Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined with a quadriceps injury.
In spite of the setbacks, Brown emphasized the importance of next players stepping up and gaining valuable experience. “Any time you’re missing guys, it’s next guy step up… It’s just another opportunity for guys to step up and get a chance to play,” he stated, indicating that this preseason management is crucial for long-term success.
While the Knicks’ key rotation pieces have experience playing together, adjusting to Brown’s new read-and-react system is complex, especially with the current roster changes. Brown noted that while he wishes for a fully healthy team, the focus must remain on winning games and embracing the long season ahead rather than maximizing performance on the opening night.
Point guard Jalen Brunson echoed this sentiment, stating the team’s goal is to constantly improve. He acknowledged that setbacks are part of the journey but stressed the importance of forward momentum. “We want to continue to get better every day,” Brunson remarked, highlighting the focus on progression as the team navigates through challenges.
Looking ahead to the regular season, the Knicks are hopeful that their injured players will make a swift recovery, especially given that the front office is monitoring the situation closely as they finalize the roster. As injuries linger, the team remains focused on building chemistry and readiness for a longer journey ahead. With resilience and determination, the Knicks are committed to overcoming these difficulties and aiming high as they venture into a new season.