As the first-round series with Atlanta shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 tonight, Knicks head coach Mike Brown said he remains willing to alter both lineups and strategy after criticism of his rotations and timeout management in Monday’s Game 2 loss.
“Anything’s open to discussion offensively, defensively,” Brown told reporters, adding that he is comfortable using any combination of the roster’s personnel depending on need.
Players back Brown’s approach
Guard Jalen Brunson said the roster trusts the coaching staff’s adjustments but must execute with greater pace and physicality. “We have to get the ball faster, run on makes and misses, and be who we are,” Brunson noted.
Towns seeks larger role
Karl-Anthony Towns attempted 12 shots in Game 2—only two in the fourth quarter—as New York’s lead slipped away. According to ESPN, the Knicks have struggled all season to integrate the All-Star center consistently, yet a source close to Towns said he “wants to be a Knick for life.”
Robinson unfazed by ‘Hack-A-Mitch’
Atlanta’s intentional fouling has limited Mitchell Robinson to two made free throws in six attempts through two games. The center labeled the tactic a sign of respect and said his confidence remains high. Brown is searching for ways to increase Robinson’s minutes, but two-big lineups with Towns “haven’t been effective so far this series,” the coach acknowledged.
Bench backcourt still searching
Reserve guard Landry Shamet, praised most of the season for his plug-and-play fit, has started the playoffs 1-for-7 from the field—six of those misses from three-point range. Neither Shamet nor Miles McBride has provided consistent on-ball creation, prompting Brown to rely on Jose Alvarado for energy and ball-handling off the bench.
Game 3 tips off tonight at 8 p.m. ET in New York.
Source: Hoops Rumors
