Knicks Face Rotation Decision as Anunoby Nears Return
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With OG Anunoby on track to come back from a right hamstring strain for the Eastern Conference finals, head coach Mike Brown may again shorten Landry Shamet’s minutes. Shamet appeared in only 9.3 minutes per game through New York’s first eight playoff contests, but he was pressed into action after Anunoby’s injury and logged 37 combined minutes in Games 3 and 4 against Philadelphia.
The veteran guard capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 27 points on 9-for-13 shooting across those two victories. “Landry hadn’t played a drop all playoffs,” Brown said. “He was huge on both ends of the floor.” Even so, Shamet is expected to remain behind Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado in the reserve pecking order once Anunoby returns.
Trade Paying Off
For the second consecutive postseason since New York shipped Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns, both clubs are deep into playoff runs. Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News contends that New York has gained the upper hand in the deal, citing Towns’ all-around production: 17.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG, and shooting splits of .587/.483/.897. The Knicks posted a +24.8 net rating with him on the floor through the first two rounds.
Sharpshooting Surge
New York finished the regular season fourth in three-point accuracy at 37.3% and has climbed to a league-best 40.8% in the playoffs. Shooting coach Peter Patton has been credited for the uptick. “When you have somebody telling you what you need out of your shot and you trust him, it’s big time,” McBride said. The guard hit a career-high 41.3% from deep in 2025-26, noting Patton’s emphasis on minor technique tweaks.
Preferred Opponent?
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic weighed whether the Knicks would rather meet Detroit or Cleveland next. Although the Cavaliers appear stronger on paper, Edwards writes that the Pistons have given New York more trouble head-to-head. Regardless, he projects the Knicks as favorites in either matchup.
Coaching Change Vindicated
Ian O’Connor of The Athletic believes Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal was not strictly warranted but argues the move has been justified by the team’s spring performance under Brown.
Source: Hoops Rumors
