The New York Knicks open a three-game run against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday riding a six-game winning streak and chasing the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.
Five of those victories came at the expense of bottom-tier teams, while the sixth was over the 10th-place Golden State Warriors. With the Thunder, Rockets and resurgent Hornets next on the schedule, the outcome of this stretch could determine whether New York secures home-court advantage for a potential Game 7 in the first round.
Bench usage remains a postseason question
Head coach Mike Brown has relied on his reserves more than predecessor Tom Thibodeau, yet the club still ranked 27th in total bench minutes before Sunday’s win against Washington, according to The Athletic. Center Mitchell Robinson’s carefully monitored workload has helped keep him available, while guard Miles McBride must quickly regain rhythm when he returns from injury. Despite improved depth, Brown’s ultimate playoff rotation is expected to look much like last season’s.
Bridges’ role under scrutiny
Mikal Bridges’ recent offensive slump has fueled debate over his place in the starting five. Teammate Josh Hart noted that few plays are designed for Bridges this season, calling the criticism “unfair.” Brown echoed confidence in the veteran, citing his work habits and track record.
Clarkson capitalizes on opportunity
Jordan Clarkson’s uneven minutes and social-media responses in February could have become a distraction, but the 33-year-old has emerged as the Knicks’ most dependable shooting guard over the past two weeks. Beginning with a 27-point outing against Utah on March 11, he is averaging 12.7 points in 22 minutes while shooting .545 from the field, .438 from three and a perfect 1.000 at the foul line. He has twice been named the team’s Defensive Player of the Game during that span. “When he’s playing with that fire, there aren’t many bench players you feel better about,” teammate Karl-Anthony Towns said.
Kolek’s big day
Second-year guard Tyler Kolek delivered 42 points on 9-of-14 three-point shooting for the G League’s Westchester Knicks on Sunday, then joined the varsity squad and hit 3-for-3 from deep in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, finishing with 11 points. “We have a lot of high-character workers, and he’s one of them,” Jalen Brunson said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
