Knicks Coach Mike Brown Picks Up First Technical of Season in Tight Loss to Thunder
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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown was hit with his first technical foul of the 2025/26 campaign during Wednesday night’s 109-106 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. The official assessed the technical with 2:02 left in the opening quarter after Brown protested a no-call on a drive by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who collided with Jalen Brunson while carrying two personal fouls.
“SGA already had two fouls and Jalen was set,” Brown told reporters after the game. “That should have been his third, the basket should not have counted, and we should have had possession.”
The NBA’s referee account on X later explained that Brunson “didn’t give Gilgeous-Alexander enough space to avoid contact” once the pass was received outside the lower defensive box, ruling out an offensive foul.
Brown insisted the missed call was not an excuse for the loss, and Brunson said he welcomed his coach’s support: “I’m going to have his back every single night. He has ours.”
Reduced workload for starters
As planned, Brown has trimmed minutes for all five starters this season, Jared Schwartz of the New York Post reported. The most notable drop belongs to Josh Hart, whose league-leading 37.6 minutes per game in 2024/25 are down to 30.2 this year. Hart said the adjustment is easier with reserves such as Landry Shamet, Cam Payne and Jose Alvarado contributing: “As long as we win, I’m cool with it.”
Bridges’ uneven season
Mikal Bridges has alternated strong outings—like Sunday’s win over San Antonio—with quieter nights, including Wednesday’s loss to Oklahoma City. While his overall numbers remain solid, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic noted that the forward continues to be measured against the sizable assets the Knicks surrendered to acquire him.
McBride progressing after surgery
Guard Miles “Deuce” McBride is rehabbing from core-muscle (sports hernia) surgery and is still expected to be available for the postseason, Ian Begley of SNY reported in a recent video update.
Source: Hoops Rumors
