Mike Brown’s influence on the New York Knicks is becoming increasingly apparent, especially during the critical third quarters of games. The Knicks have showcased remarkable dominance in this phase of play throughout their ongoing four-game winning streak, achieving an impressive net rating of 57.5 points in third quarters, the highest in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers follow at a distant second with a net rating of 40.7 points.
This dramatic turnaround marks a stark contrast to last year’s performance, where the Knicks struggled significantly in third quarters, particularly in the playoffs, posting a minus-6.1 net rating during that period. The team consistently found themselves at a disadvantage, necessitating monumental comebacks in the final quarters. However, Jalen Brunson acknowledges the team is on a journey of growth, noting that they are now tackling their third-quarter challenges head-on, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the “little things.”
The first four games of this season saw the Knicks falter in third quarters, losing all of them, including a 121-111 setback against the Milwaukee Bucks where they surrendered a 12-point halftime lead. However, they have since flipped the script by winning five consecutive third quarters, showcasing scores such as 38-28 against the Bulls and a striking 35-17 against the Brooklyn Nets in their latest game. Their performance has pushed their overall net rating in third quarters for the season to a solid 14.3 points, placing them sixth in the league.
Brown emphasizes consistency as a cornerstone for success. He expressed that the Knicks have proactively worked on their third-quarter performance, focusing on coming out strong and staying locked in. In the recent match against the Nets, despite being outscored in the second quarter, the Knicks regained control by significantly outscoring their opponents in the third quarter, which led to a comfortable cushion.
In addition to strategic adjustments, Brown has acknowledged the significance of refining player rotations. He admitted that he initially struggled with his substitution patterns, particularly regarding the timing of inserting key players like Josh Hart and Mitch Robinson. Nevertheless, the visible improvement in the team’s performance comes as they continue to solidify those rotations and adapt to one another’s playing styles.
Overall, the Knicks are demonstrating marked progress under Brown’s leadership, providing a hopeful outlook for their forthcoming games. The resurgence in their third-quarter performances serves as a promising indicator of the team’s growth trajectory and potential for success this season.