The New York Knicks said sloppy ball-handling and poor movement—not the whistle—ended their 13-game postseason winning streak in Monday’s Game 3 defeat, according to players and coaches who spoke Tuesday.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns pointed to the club’s 13 turnovers, several unforced, as the turning point. “Turned the ball over. Didn’t execute. Didn’t do what got us 13 straight wins,” Towns told reporters. “Throwing the ball away is a clear indication of how you’re going to lose the game, especially in the playoffs.”
Head coach Mike Brown, who had questioned a free-throw disparity after the loss, acknowledged offensive stagnation as a larger issue. He noted that too many Knicks simply watched the ball handler while Jalen Brunson, who scored 32 points—12 in the fourth quarter—finished with only five assists.
“We’ve got to pick up the ball movement, for sure,” Towns said, adding that 50 days of game film should remind the team “what makes us great.”
Brown asks for consistency on Wembanyama contact
Before Wednesday’s Game 4, Brown addressed the league’s decision not to issue a flagrant foul to Victor Wembanyama for early contact with Brunson in Game 3. “They’re not going to listen to me,” Brown said. “You just hope at the end of the day things are consistent on both ends.”
Continuity cited as hidden edge
The Knicks’ long-standing core is a valued asset as new CBA rules strain roster stability league-wide, The Athletic reported. “I think it’s more so the trust that’s built,” forward Josh Hart said. “You know where everyone likes the ball and plays for them to execute.”
Rose’s low-profile approach draws praise
Sports Illustrated highlighted president Leon Rose’s five-year roster overhaul, including the 2022 signing of Brunson, as a key factor in the franchise’s turnaround. “The way he goes about his business is as good as anyone,” Brunson said.
Lin: Brunson’s discount deal paved way for contenders
Former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin told The California Post that Brunson deserves greater recognition for leaving up to $113 million on the table in his last extension, giving New York flexibility. “I don’t think enough people are talking about him giving up $113 MM to build a team full of players that want to win,” Lin said.
The Knicks and Kings tip off Game 4 tonight in Sacramento, with New York seeking a 3-1 series lead.
Source: Hoops Rumors
