The New York Knicks are experiencing a resurgence under head coach Mike Brown, having turned around a shaky 2-3 start to reel off four consecutive victories, now boasting a record of 6-3 and securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings. This impressive performance has reignited hope among Knicks fans, particularly after a commanding 134-98 win over their city rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, where six players scored in double figures and the team shot exceptionally well from both the field and beyond the arc.
In a post-game interview, star guard Jalen Brunson shared an encouraging perspective, emphasizing that while the team’s recent successes are promising, they have not yet reached their full potential. “It’s about not being complacent and being more fluid in the stuff we run,” Brunson stated, highlighting the need for the players to instinctively react on the court rather than overthink their movements. “So we’re working towards that… So yeah, the ball’s going through the hoop but we can be a lot better,” he added.
One of the striking aspects of the Knicks’ current success is their ability to excel without relying on set plays, with Coach Brown indicating that the focus is on playing instinctively. This has resulted in impressive statistics, as the Knicks rank second in the league for points per game (129.5) and shooting percentage (50.0), while leading in three-point shooting (43.8%) and net rating (22.3). They are also enjoying a point differential of +22.0 and have remained unbeaten during this win streak.
Brunson’s sentiments reflect a broader acknowledgment among the team that they are still adjusting to Brown’s system. Fellow player Karl-Anthony Towns noted after the game against Brooklyn that the Knicks are a “work in progress,” indicating there are still strides to be made. Towns has also mentioned that he is becoming more comfortable with the new system with each game.
The early part of the 2025-26 season has room for growth, especially for players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, who have yet to fully hit their stride following their offseason acquisitions. Given Brunson’s perspective on continual improvement, the ceiling for this Knicks team appears to be high, potentially leaving the rest of the league wary of what is yet to come. This optimistic outlook bodes well for the franchise and their devoted supporters as they navigate this promising season.