RSS Knicks Team Notes

[New York Knicks]

Cavaliers 109, Knicks 94: Scenes from a yawn disguised as a game

The Knicks (37*-22) won two difficult games before they entered Rocket Arena to face the Cavaliers (37-22). In both wins—against the Rockets and the Bulls—there were the customary lulls we’ve come to expect from New York. Tonight, they topped that by going full lull, playing listless hoops from start to finish. They shot horribly from deep (10-of-37), scored a season-low 11 points in the third quarter, and took the L, 109-94.

That finish makes the Cavs 20-6 in their last 26 games and ties them with New York for third place. It also concluded the regular season series between these two, which the Knicks won 2-1.

Cleveland ruled the opening quarter, staying in front for nearly the full 12. Donovan Mitchell (23 PTS) set the tone with buckets, steals, and dishes, while Evan Mobley (12 PTS, 7 RBS) drained an early three and Jarrett Allen (19 PTS, 10 RBS) cleaned the glass. Through the first frame, the Ohio Players shot 54% from the field, buried 5-of-11 threes, and doled out 10 assists on 14 made baskets. They committed just four turnovers while capitalizing on New York’s six giveaways.

In the quarter, the Knicks shot 50% from the field but poorly from deep. Josh Hart (10 PTS) provided some energy, distributing to Mikal Bridges (18 PTS, 6-of-17 FG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (14 PTS, 7 RBS, 5 FGA!) before hitting his own three to cut the deficit to two. Inside they had success with three blocked shots (OG Anunoby, Towns, Bridges) and buckets around the rim, but they were a step slow against Cleveland’s length and quick transitions. Mitchell’s steal-and-layup plus dimes to his teammates—including late threes from Dean Wade (11 PTS)—helped the Cavs close the frame up 35-26.

The Nova connection

Josh Hart Jalen Brunson
pic.twitter.com/Ez3LYhptKx

— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNationCP) February 25, 2026

Wade hit a triple early in the second quarter to go ahead by a dozen, and the Cavs benefited from even more Knicks turnovers. In fact, their 12 turnovers were the most New York committed in a first-half this season. Quite an achievement!

Mitchell Robinson (11 PTS, 15 RPBS, 2 BLK, 19 MIN) came in and pulled boards out of Allen’s grasp. Mitch singlehandedly kept New York within reach with rebounds, a putback, and an alley-oop from Jose Alvarado, while Towns added a putback and later a three. For Cleveland, Mitchell and Allen continued to chip in buckets and Dennis Schröder was a nuisance on defense.

Mitchell Robinson dominates the offensive glass pic.twitter.com/Rn0Qbjbb86

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 25, 2026

When Jalen Brunson (20 PTS, 6-of-19 FG) returned after a breather, he steadied the offense with a drive and a late pull-up three. The Knicks went on a 10-2 run late in the deep end of the quarter to cut the deficit to one. From there, Cleveland outscored them by five. Bridges hit a floater in the final seconds, but the home team still carried a 60–54 lead into halftime.

Through the half, Cavs outshot New York from deep (35% to 27%), grabbed seven offensive rebounds to the Knicks’ three, and turned 12 New York turnovers into 11 points. New York shot 51% overall, owned the paint 32-26, and blocked six shots to Cleveland’s three, but their blunders kept them on the outside looking in. Mitchell led all first-half scorers with 15, while Brunson had 13 for the good guys.

Jose Alvarado on this jump ball

It was worth a try pic.twitter.com/mZknW3ReoK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026

After intermission, this game got sloppier than my kid’s bedroom. James Harden (20 PTS) opened the third quarter with a step-back jumper, Mitchell forced a Towns turnover, and Allen converted a putback. The Knicks failed to do anything well—Bridges missed twice, Towns committed another turnover, etc.—before Brunson set up OG Anunoby for a three. When Harden swished from deep, the deficit was 11 again and Coach Brown needed a timeout.

New York continued to throw rocks from deep, making 5-of-21 after two and half quarters. They continued to turn the ball over, too, which explains why they couldn’t get the differential to low-single digits. With four minutes left, and down by 14, Brown tried a lineup of Brunson, Alvarado, Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara, and Robinson. Same results. To close the period, Brown dusted off Jordan Clarkson. Nada, otra vez. New York scored their fewest points in a quarter (11), and went into the fourth trailing 83-65.

Dennis Schroder dime to Donovan Mitchell —

Too smooth.

pic.twitter.com/L8PD4w4m3J

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 25, 2026

Weirdly, OG Anunoby logged 34 minutes, took nine shots, and finished with five pints. He must have worn his invisibility cloak, because I barely saw him on the court.

In Q4, the misery continued, and the hole reached 19 points until Alvarado (5 PTS, 1 STL, 1 BLK) hit from the corner. In need of energy, Jose seemed most likely to bring some pep. On another possession, GTA snaked into the paint and kicked out to Josh Hart, who hit another (finally) three-pointer. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t gain ground because they couldn’t stop Mitchell at the other end.

Bridges missed another layup, Mobley put back a Mitchell miss, and a befuddled Brown called for time. The clock still had seven-and-a-half minutes on it, but the Knicks had done nothing yet to convince us that a rally was possible. A few minutes later, when Brunson missed off the glass on a drive, it became abundantly clear that Cleveland had secretly put a transparent lid on the visitors’ rim—there was no other logical explanation for how badly New York had shot. Unless they were drugged . . . or had lyme disease . . . or ate pizza in Utah.

The deficit reached 20, the reserves came on, and this turkey was finally, mercifully cooked.

Up Next​

New York travels to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Friday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more. Let’s gather to protest outside the NBA’s offices.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...cks-94-scenes-from-a-yawn-disguised-as-a-game

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘We’re still trying to figure out the system’

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 22: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks gestures during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This must be the most worrying piece of Knicks quotes I’ve put together to date.

Why? Check for yourself.

Hint? Read the headline again.

The East 8 weeks ago vs today

Knicks 2nd then, 3rd now

Ground lost:

– 5.5 games to Detroit
– 5.5 games to Boston
– 6 games to Cleveland pic.twitter.com/vNJXqc5b2o

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Mike Brown​

On the ugly loss to the Cavaliers:

“An ugly game, obviously. We didn’t do much right defensively, we didn’t do much right offensively. Our turnovers in the first half really put a damper on things we were trying to do… We had some decent looks throughout the course of the game, but we couldn’t knock a shot down.”

On the Knicks’ offensive pace issues:

“One of the things we have to do better, especially offensively, is play with pace. Our pace isn’t good. We have to do a better job of getting to the corners, we have to do a better job of playing with pace in the frontcourt.”

On the third-quarter offensive collapse:

“There were some things we could’ve done better defensively, but our offense was non-existent, in terms of pace, the ability to touch the paint, and spray the ball. All that stuff came to play in that third quarter.”

On the third-quarter breakdown:

“No matter what we did, we either turned the ball over or we had a tough shot. So we made some play calls tonight. But we didn’t generate anything from the calls that we made.”

On the reality of Towns’ shot distribution:

“Some of the questions, you’d have to ask him. … End of the day, [Brunson’s] getting the most field-goal attempts. KAT’s our second-best player. Go look at the cumulative stats. He’s got the second-most field goal attempts. He’s the second-leading scorer. He was an All-Star. … But at the end of the day, if it averages out to where he’s what I just said he is, second in those categories and he’s an All-Star, he’s having a pretty good year. He’s not going to get 10 shots every half of every game. He’s not going to shoot 50% from three and 75% from the two. It’s just not going to happen. I understand it’s something that we need to talk about and I’m OK talking about it, but until those numbers change, there’s not much for me to say because he’s getting an opportunity.”

On bench depth affecting starters:

“When you start going down the line, you see guys are playing well, you’re going to try to find ways to get them in the game. When you try to find ways to get them in the game, it’s going to be less minutes for other guys. So it’s a fine balance — I’ve said this about Landry, he had 23 [minutes in Sunday’s win over the Bulls]. So it’s great if I can keep him at 23. But I’m not always going to keep him at 23. He played 23. Mikal played 30. So it’s give and take where if somebody is playing well, we’ll try to keep them on the floor, but that might mean others will see their field goal attempts and their minutes may go down because they’re not on the floor as much.”

Mo Diawara gets the call here in the third quarter over Sochan.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) February 25, 2026

Jeremy Sochan​

On his early struggles with the Knicks:

“It’s a process. It’s my fourth game here. So we’ll figure it out. We’ll be good.”

On adjusting to new dynamics in New York:

“It’s my first time adjusting to a different dynamic. So it’s going to take some time to figure out and, of course, I haven’t been in a lot of game shape. So altogether there are going to [be] ups and downs. But I’m blessed and excited to be in this situation. And I truly believe I can add to this team.”

On the process of learning new tendencies:

“I think it’s just learning how everyone wants to play. The vibe on the team and all those sorts of things. And I think it’s pretty easy for me to learn the playbook. But now it’s learning everybody’s tendencies. What they like and what don’t like. Just trying to figure out that part. That’s offense and defense, too.”

On regaining game shape:

“[Tuesday] I felt a little better than Chicago [on Sunday] and the other two games. There’s nothing you can really do to get into game shape. That’s a whole different story. But it only takes a few games and then you start feeling better.”

Knicks 11 points in 3rd quarter

Their lowest scoring 3Q since 2022

2nd lowest scoring 3Q in the Brunson era pic.twitter.com/VdZDJCXyb6

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Josh Hart​

On still trying to find this team’s identity:

“I think we’re still trying to figure it out. I think we’re still figuring out the style we want to play, the identity we want to play. I think that is where some of those lulls come from. We have to, collectively, figure that out. Time is of the essence. We have to really spend the next 20 or so games really finding our identity and how we want to execute.”

On poor execution vs. Cleveland:

“We just didn’t play well enough. We didn’t execute offensively.”

Karl-Anthony Towns as Knicks lose to Cavs 109-94:

4 shots first half
1 shot second half
(made all 5)
5 turnovers pic.twitter.com/rJJo0qbwr4

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On the need for finding consistency before the playoffs:

“For us, it’s about the consistency. When you play a seven-game series, you have to win four of those seven. You have to consistently be good. Sometimes you’re great, but the other team is just better that night, and you have to accept those results. You go into a series thinking you need to win five of seven. We just have to be the best version of ourselves come playoff time.”

On the Knicks not knowing Brown’s system yet:

“Right now, we’re all trying to figure it out. We’re still trying to figure out the system, the new things we’re doing, the nuances that go with it and the changes we’re trying to make. It’s still a work in progress. I know, being in New York, everyone wants a finished product right now. People want instant gratification, but we’re still trying to figure out a lot.”

On dealing with pressure aon nd focusing on winning:

“Personally, my career has been full of pressure. I’ve always been held to a higher standard than everyone. I understand that criticism comes with that when you’re not succeeding, and rightfully so. My whole career has been based on me getting that ring and winning. I understand, more than ever now in my career, that winning trumps everything. That’s why I’m so adamant about our team staying together, having that continuity, having that unity and nothing deteriorating us or dividing us on this team.”

OG Anunoby as Knicks lose 109-94 in Cleveland:

5 points
2-9 FG
1-6 three
3 rebounds
-12 pic.twitter.com/7qzUlx5aeV

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Jalen Brunson​

On wanting to retire a Knick:

“I would love to be here for the rest of my career. I love this place. They’ve welcomed me with open arms. They’ve been behind my back since Day 1. I built a life here. And I love the city, I love the fans, I love everything this place has offered me, on and off the court. So I just love it here. And I’d love to stay.”

On his ‘do right by me’ quote:

“I said I would hope they do right by me. Regardless of what it is.”

On the Knicks’ ceiling:

“I know how good we can be.”

Mikal Bridges has taken 13 shots — more than Brunson and KAT combined.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) February 25, 2026

Mikal Bridges​

On embracing sacrifice:

“I think it’s for everybody. Me as well. You’ve just got to sacrifice, find your moments and play the right way.”

On supporting Shamet’s rise:

“Landry’s so good, plays the game the right way. I know he’s been dealing with the shoulder stuff for some time. Just happy he’s healthy and playing, because this is how he plays when he’s healthy.”

Cavs ballboys strike again pic.twitter.com/v0UPFyGuKu

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Landry Shamet​

On his shot-making confidence:

“Ball has gone in. I’m trying to play basketball, man. It’s fun. The system is great.”

On returning from injury:

“I just want to play basketball, man. When you’re hurt, you’re not in a position where you can compete and play. So at the end of the day, I’m just happy I’m able to compete and play. It’s fun. It’s a really fun group to play with. The constant pursuit of trying to get better and grow collectively, that’s something I enjoy. It’s cool to be a part of it.”

Nigerian WWE wrestler Oba Femi has a trademark entrance that’s going viral. pic.twitter.com/axg38BLsz3

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) February 24, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...in-were-still-trying-to-figure-out-the-system

 

[New York Knicks]

What is the best way to use Jeremy Sochan and Mo Diawara?

The Knicks have depth, but they’re still figuring out how to use it.

The starting five, Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet are solidified. When Deuce McBride eventually returns from his sports hernia, he will be too. The battle for the ninth or tenth man, though, is up in the air.

On one end, you have exciting, 19-year-old rookie Mo Diawara, who has shown tremendous flashes on both ends just a few months after not being good enough to go top 50 in the NBA Draft. With his recent three-point outburst, he’s becoming more and more of a viable role player as a rookie.

But on the other end, you have another young player, but one who’s more experienced and is looking to make an impact in a new situation. Jeremy Sochan is still only 22, but fell out of favor in San Antonio and elected to sign in New York after being released mid-season.

These two are on the Knicks’ rotation bubble, with players like Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. waiting in the wings in case of injuries. But which of the two makes more sense for the Knicks? Could they both play a role?

A rotation doesn’t need to be concrete. From game to game, things can change. The strengths of the two are different, but both are common in the sense of being full of potential with considerable downside. It’s easy to scheme both out of a game, which makes identifying specific matchups necessary.

Sochan’s biggest weakness is shooting; he’s always been a basket case on offense. He brings rebounding and a smidge of secondary playmaking, but he’ll make the people guarding Josh Hart look like Patrick Beverley if he gets the ball on the perimeter.

Diawara’s simply being a limited rookie. If you remember, he started the game against the Spurs on New Year’s Eve, which started the slump, and Mitch Johnson expertly schemed him out of the game. He sagged off Diawara, daring him to either shoot or put the ball on the floor. He’s not an advanced enough jumpshooter (especially in non-C&S situations) to shoot out of it, and his ballhandling needs improvement. It’s not a terrible thing for a rookie, but it must be considered.

So what are their strengths? Diawara is a switchable defender who can hold his own against most players due to his size and length, as is Sochan. Sochan is a great rebounder, while Diawara has sneakily been extremely effective on catch-and-shoot (41.5 3pt%) and corner threes (12-for-14).

Diawara is an asset in non-OG Anunoby minutes for a team that has a lot of guards and small wings in the rotation, but the team has specifically dominated minutes where Karl-Anthony Towns is playing and Jalen Brunson is sitting:

The best role for Diawara is to play the non-Brunson minutes, where KAT is the lead option on offense. Alvarado comes off the bench as the ballhandler, and his two-man game with him and Towns can collapse the defense enough to get it to an open shooter, such as Shamet or Diawara. It’s not a big role, but it’s a useful one for a rookie.

Mohamed Diawara 10 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 4/4 FG, 2/2 3FG, 0 TO, 125% TS vs Boston https://t.co/M1IZk1NWzB pic.twitter.com/scRCRUHq0B

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) February 8, 2026

Figuring out a role for Sochan is more difficult, as he’s struggled mightily in his first few games as a Knick. It wasn’t going to be pretty every time, and it hasn’t yielded much in a small sample. Still, there might be one option that has the best chance of working out.

The Knicks are struggling badly when one of Towns or Robinson isn’t available. As much as we’ve wished Hukporti could emerge as a viable third center, it’s rough at times out there. When Towns had to sit for a bit in the fourth quarter against the Bulls, the offense ground to a halt.

That’s where Sochan comes in. Against teams without much size (like the Bulls, who deployed Jalen Smith and OAKAAK Guerschon Yabusele at the 5 that night), Sochan is a viable small-ball five who’s more versatile than Hukporti. Mike Brown hasn’t totally leaned into untraditional fives, but I think it’s worth considering deploying Sochan in that role over Hukporti when the team can’t throw one of Robinson or Towns out there.

There is a spacing component, as Sochan’s lack of perimeter shooting makes it so that it’s hard to see him on the floor with one of the Knicks’ worst/unwilling shooters (Robinson, Hart), but he can viably be used in spurts as a small-ball five in a lineup full of floor spacers.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-best-way-to-use-jeremy-sochan-and-mo-diawara

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘That evolution will continue to happen throughout the rest of the year’

There are never too many unbelievable quotes to share, are they?

Not when it comes to your 2026 New York Knicks.

Here’s a bunch more content to worry about while the Bockers gear up to face the Bucks on Friday.

Most bizarre disasters in Cleveland history:

1969 Cuyahoga 2026 Knicks
River catches fire third quarter pic.twitter.com/o47dpT8KbB

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 25, 2026

Mike Brown​

On adjusting the Knicks’ style of play and still evolving the system with 20 games left:

“We have a brand of basketball or style of play that we’re focused on, we’re trying to get better at. We’re playing different offensively, not a lot different, but we’re playing different offensively to a certain degree from the preseason up until this point we’ve made some changes. And we made some changes defensively. That evolution will continue to happen throughout the course of the rest of the year.”

On failing to help the offense from the sidelines in the loss against the Cavs:

“No matter what we did, we either turned the ball over or we had a tough shot. And so we made some play calls tonight, but we didn’t generate anything from the calls that we made.”

Josh Hart​

On the difficulty of maintaining Brown’s demanded pace late in the season:

“It’s what? Game 55 [actually it was the 59th game]? Sometimes it’s tough. Guys are banged up. So sometimes playing with that pace is difficult at times.

“I think that’s when we really have to focus on the execution, calling plays, calling sets, and executing those, getting guys in position to be successful… Obviously, you want to play fast, play with pace. Sometimes it’s difficult, and we’ve got to adjust to it.”

Jalen Brunson​

On the team not being a finished product yet:

“We’re still becoming a better team every single day. We’re not trying to be a final product by Game 60… I know how good we can be.”

According to Cleaning the Glass, the Knicks are now 10.7 points better per 100 possessions with Karl-Anthony Towns on the court this season.

That ranks 1st among 45 players who have seen at least 1600 minutes of court time. pic.twitter.com/1xkn7gfwDh

— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) February 23, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On tuning out the noise before the playoffs:

“I’ve seen teams come together pretty late and win a chip. I think for us, we just gotta continue to have our head down, block out the noise and just continue to find ways to improve every single day. Because at the end of the day, when playoff time comes, and the ball goes up, there ain’t no more time.

“We gotta have it figured out. Not hearing all the noise and having it distract us, and we lose games trying to impress people or whatever the case may be, or trying to please the noise. We just gotta keep our heads down and focus on everyone in this locker room, this organization, and how we can help each other win.

“And be the best version of ourselves so that when it comes to playoff time, we have no regrets where we stand.”

On whether the plan was for him to shoot less after attempting five shots vs. Cleveland:

“Nah, we had a game plan that we wanted to try to execute. You’ve seen this all year: we wanted to move the ball, hunt mismatches, do what we do. We just didn’t execute today to get the job done.”

On taking only those five shots:

“We’re trying to run our offensive game plan that we had coming into today. We wanted to execute it at the highest level possible. We just didn’t do a good job of making the plays needed to win the game.

“That’s fine. It happens like that. Yeah, we’re just trying to do what we talked about at shootaround, what we game-planned offensively, what we wanted to get done.”

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Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...nue-to-happen-throughout-the-rest-of-the-year

 

[New York Knicks]

Breaking down Karl-Anthony Towns’ rollercoaster season: Does he deserve some slack?

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 22: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 22, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks are a good team. They may not always look or play like it. But they are. At 37-21, they have a top-five record in the league, have a top-three offense, a defense that has been on the cusp of being top 10 in defensive rating, and remain top five in net rating as well. Despite all of these things being true, though, it’s not a stretch to say that this team, one that has had championship aspirations from day one, has also been among the most disappointing ones in recent memory.

They can’t beat the Pistons, the one team that has consistently been ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. Their bench has been an inconsistent question mark for much of the season. Mikal Bridges continues to have stretches where he seemingly disappears. And the starting lineup, despite posting better stats this year, still struggles against great defenses. Among the most alarming concerns this season, though, has been the disappointing season that Karl-Anthony Towns has had… Or that’s at least what the majority of the fanbase wants to think. But is that a fair assessment?

Now, some of the frustrations are warranted. Over his first 10 years in the league, Towns earned a reputation for being one of the most efficient scorers in the league. During that span, the big man averaged 23.1PPG on 52.4% shooting from the field, and 40% shooting from three. His rare combination of size, post-up skills, and shooting allowed him to be as good as he is despite his very obvious and frustrating shortcomings on the defensive end.

This year he has looked and performed like a shell of himself. We may never know if there was an underlying injury issue or if it was just the new offense Mike Brown installed last summer. But the version of Towns we have seen for the overwhelming majority of this season has been one of hesitation, disappearance, and uncharacteristic struggles.

Through his first 49 games, Towns averaged 19.7PPG, while shooting 46.3% from the field, and 35.3% from three, while attempting just 14 field goal attempts per game. All of those marks would be the lowest, or second lowests of his career.

Some of it has been him simply missing shots he usually makes. But it’s been deeper than just him missing shots. As evident by his field goal attempts, he’s been featured less as a scorer in the Knicks’ new offense. Instead of having his number called, he is now required to read defenses more and find the best times for him to attack, something he and his teammates have both struggled to do.

Towns has seemed to have turned things around a bit tough. Towns has scored 20 or more points in five straight games, which is the longest streak of the season. And during the stretch, he is averaging 23.4PPG, while shooting 56.6% from the field, and 47.8% from three. He’s been more aggressive, evident by his 15.2 field goal attempts per game, and overall, he’s looked more comfortable, and just as importantly, more decisive.

But it’s clear that this isn’t, and never was, a strictly Towns problem. As mentioned earlier, his teammates have struggled to find Towns, especially when he pops screens. Lately, though, there’s been more of an effort by his teammates, and more specifically, by Jalen Brunson, to get him involved. While the two still lack the two-man game fans dreamed of when they were first paired up, Brunson has looked for his center noticeably more as of late.

Going back to the earlier question, I’d confidently answer that the blame Towns has gotten has been disproportionate and unfair. Towns still deserves some criticism for the way he has shot the ball, the amount he complains (although some of that is warranted given his horrendous whistle), his somewhat improved, but still frustrating defensive miscues, and most importantly, his offensive fouls that make you want to pull your hair out. But the numbers point to him being one of the Knicks, and believe it or not, the league’s most impactful players.

This season, Karl-Anthony Towns has:

* More rebounds than Nikola Jokić or Victor Wembanyama

* More points than Stephen Curry or LaMelo Ball

* More made 3-pointers than Devin Booker or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

* More steals than Evan Mobley or Rudy Gobert

* More double-doubles…

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 23, 2026

I am firmly on the side of analytics and stats not being absolute. And that they can be deceiving, and or misused. But, hear me out. As seen above, Towns currently has more rebounds than Nikola Jokić or Victor Wembanyama, more points than Stephen Curry or LaMelo Ball, more made 3-pointers than Devin Booker, more steals than Evan Mobley or Rudy Gobert, more double-doubles than Luka Dončić or Cade Cunningham, more assists than Amen Thompson or Isaiah Hartenstein, and h higher plus/minus than Jaylen Brown and Anthony Edwards. Those names and stats, especially since they are totals and not averages, can be cherry-picked to fit a narrative.

Only 4 players in the NBA have a 90th percentile or better O-EPM AND D-EPM:

Victor Wembanyama
Derrick White
Chet Holmgren

The fourth?

Karl. Anthony. Towns. pic.twitter.com/A2aUrjDOsT

— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) February 23, 2026

But, according to EPM (estimated plus-minus), which is a newer adjusted plus-minus metric that quantifies expected impact, Towns has been great. As of February 23rd, Towns is just one of four players in the league that rank in the 90th percentile or higher in both offensive EPM and defensive EPM.

According to Cleaning the Glass, the Knicks are now 10.7 points better per 100 possessions with Karl-Anthony Towns on the court this season.

That ranks 1st among 45 players who have seen at least 1600 minutes of court time. pic.twitter.com/1xkn7gfwDh

— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) February 23, 2026

Are those numbers still not enough? Towns, despite his flaws, remains the team leader in plus-minus this season, with an impressive +336. Brunson is second at just +266. And as mentioned above, the Knicks are now 10.7PPP better with Towns on the court, which happens to rank first in the league among players who have played 1600 or more minutes.

I am not here to tell you that Towns is the Knicks’ best or most impactful player. You can take the data and the eye test and decide for yourself. I’m also not here to tell you that he’s a perfect player. Or that he’s had an amazing season. But I will tell you that despite all of his flaws and despite his not being able to play up to his usual standards, Towns has still had a solid season. He deserved a fair share of the blame for his shortcomings and his offensive inconsistencies. But he doesn’t deserve to have everything blamed on him. He can’t control how much Josh Hart mucks up offenses against good defenses, how bad the bench has been at times, how much Brunson struggled to get him the ball at times, especially in crunch time, or how Bridges occasionally goes MIA. This team, as we’ve all seen, has some clear weaknesses, despite being a very good team. And Towns can’t, and shouldn’t be held accountable for all of them.

I will say this: If the Knicks want to ultimately raise the Larry O’Brien trophy, it’s still on Towns. While he’s been solid and better than many realize, he still has the most to show and improve on as far as performance vs. expectations go. If he and his teammates can get the best version of Towns to show up in the playoffs, this team could take another much-needed leap.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...llercoaster-season-does-he-deserve-some-slack

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks at Bucks, February 27, 2026

The Knicks (37*-22) visit the Bucks (26-31) tonight at Fiserv Forum with a chance to take the season series after splitting the first two meetings. Milwaukee has won eight of its last 10 and did so without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). Things that make you go hmmm! Meanwhile, New York, with two days of rest, will want to take care of business tonight and get home to prepare for an early Sunday game versus San Antonio.

Tip-off is 8 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Brew Hoop. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the Cup Final was a trick of the eye.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/.../game-thread-knicks-at-bucks-february-27-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Who killed Bambi? The Knicks, 127-98

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 27, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

Tonight at the Fiserv Forum, the visiting Knicks (38*-22) took on the suddenly hot Bucks (26-32), which we never saw coming given their gawky adolescent phase. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Deer had won eight of ten and clipped some of the league’s best along the way. Conversely, the unpredictable Knicks had alternated between world-beaters and egg-beaters since the All-Star break. Which Knicks team would show up for the last night of their three-game road trip? The winning one! Final score, 127-98.

The Knicks started slow, but then blasted off behind Jalen Brunson’s 22-point first quarter. J.B. mixed it up with jumpers, multiple triples, and free throws, missing only one of his 10 field goal attempts. His roomie Josh Hart provided a three, a transition finish, and a block that sparked an improved defensive effort that included steals from OG Anunoby (24 PTS, 5-7 3PT, 2 STL) and Mikal Bridges (10 PTS, 2 STL, 2 BLK).

22 points for the captain in the 1Q

this marks a season-high points record in a single quarter for any Knick this season pic.twitter.com/OEflKydmSK

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 28, 2026

Milwaukee tried to stay competitive with buckets from Ryan Rollins (13 PTS) and Myles Turner (19 PTS, 4 RBS), but they mostly huffed New York’s exhaust. Although Karl-Anthony Towns (17 PTS, 13 RBS) was scoreless in the quarter, the ‘Bockers whupped the home team in the paint (12-2), shot 6-of-9 from deep, and committed just one turnover to Milwaukee’s five. Heading into the second frame, their lead was 38-30.

Congratulations to Cap for scoring 7,000 points as a Knick and doing so in 265 games. He finished the night with 27 points on 11-of-17 from the field, 4-of-6 from deep.

Jalen Brunson. 7,000 points as a member of the Knicks

He achieved this milestone in just 265 games, marking the fewest games to reach 7k points in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/lA0Ux2f9MB

— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2026

To open the second period, coach Mike Brown went with Jose Alvarado (7 PTS, 5 AST), Bridges, Mohamed Diawara (10 PTS), Anunoby, and Towns. Mo buried a three to cap an 8–0 run and strengthen the case for more playing time . . . then the rook picked up two fouls and prompted Brown to try the Towns-Mitchell Robinson attack instead. Karl finally registered on the scoresheet, and although Porter answered with a few midrange jumpers, Milwaukee couldn’t trim their deficit to single digits.

When Brunson returned, the Knicks rolled on. They incinerated the nets, and their defense put the hammer down, with steals, deflections, rebounds, and blocks. A late 10-0 run pushed New York’s lead to 20 and forced coach Doc Rivers to call a third timeout. After that, KAT and Landry Shamet (15 PTS) stepped into the scoring spotlight, and by intermission, New York was up 77-57. That’s their second-highest scoring first-half total of the season.

Good to see Mo back in the mix! pic.twitter.com/0beLyErYjW

— Knicks Fan TV (@KnicksFanTv) February 28, 2026

The Knicks cruised through the half by shooting 61% from the field (59% from three, 13-of-22), limiting the Bucks to 54% overall, forcing nine turnovers that led to 14 points the other way, and scoring 18 fast-break points. They doubled Milwaukee in the paint (24-12), dished 20 assists on 28 makes, and blocked four shots. Milwaukee had zero steals. After two quarters, Brunson led all scorers with 25 points, and Turner had 18 for the home team.

OG Anunoby hit three three-pointers for the Knicks’ first nine points of the second half and scored 15 in the quarter. Soon after OG’s explosion, Brunson got dinged for his first technical foul of the year when AJ Green violated his landing space, but no whistle blew. Things got a little wobbly for our heroes. The Bucks cut a 24-point deficit to 15 thanks to nine points by Kyle Kuzma. Rather than losing their grip on the rope, New York regained it by returning to the tactics that had worked so well earlier—great defense, ball movement, and shot selection. In a flash, they went up by 22 again. Porter and Kuzma hit back-to-back longballs, but their spark never caught fire.

To close out the quarter, Mitch blocked Portis, and Diawara sank two freebies, giving the visitors a 103-83 advantage.

OG said "my turn" ‍

17 PTS | 4 3PM | 3 AST | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/q1SEB8apZ0

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 28, 2026

The fourth quarter began with five more points from Diawara and another Anunoby trey. Milwaukee got some push from Portis and Cam Thomas, but Bridges took his turn, splashing in some buckets to stretch the lead to 29.

With the game well in hand, both teams emptied their benches around the 6:13 mark. Tyler Kolek received a nice ovation. Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti, Trey Jemison, and Jordan Clarkson also checked in for New York, while Gary Trent, Jr. and Thanasis Antetokounmpo stretched their legs for Milwaukee. From there, it was all cardio. Great game, and just when we forgot how enjoyable easy wins are.

Up Next​

Back to MSG to host the San Antonio Spurs in an early matinee. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but what NBA Cup Final?

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-scores-results/79688/who-killed-bambi-the-knicks-127-98

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 127, Bucks 98: “No worries”

Feb 27, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) shoots against New York Knicks center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

When I first started following the Knicks in 1991, they had three epic losing streaks going on. They hadn’t won in Boston, Chicago or Cleveland for years. Not two or three seasons — the better part of a decade. You don’t forget bullying. Skin remembers. Bones, too. Pro’ly why to this day I’ve at some point rooted for every team in the league except them three (and Miami, natch).

So after years of watching Milwaukee (formerly an East elite) bully New York (formerly not), did I pity the former last night as the latter beat and battered them, 127-98? Fair question. It’s a weird world. The president’s a child rapist. The pope’s an American; a good one, at that. For nearly two months, the Thunder looked like the 2016 Warriors; since then, they’re more the 2026 Warriors. People change. Seasons change.

But as cockroaches and Twinkies were built to survive the apocalypse, so it goes for my disdain for the Deer, a meanness that only multiplied knowing Giannis Antetokounmpo was and remains out for the forseeable future. How tiresome have the Greek Freak’s trade desire twists turned? Put it this way: when I was 12, I was stabbed with a letter opener. Millimeters from my kidney. There were no adults around to help. I had to figure out what I should do. That caused me less agony than Antetokounmpo’s refusal to shit or get off the “trade me” pot.

Last night was the eye of a storm that isn’t moving on anytime soon. The shortest month of the year was long on legit foes: the Knicks played the Pistons twice, the Celtics, the Cavaliers, the Nuggets and the Rockets. Yet there’s no rest for the weary, as here come the Spurs, Raptors, Thunder, Nuggets, Lakers and Clippers, the last five games part of a six-game swing out west. A little Glass Joe last night was just what the doctor ordered.

The Knicks outscored the Bucks by 16 on 2s and 15 on 3s. Gotham’s greats started red-hot from deep and stayed hot, drilling half their 42 tries; five Knickerbockers made multiple treys. Seven had at least three assists, the most since . . . well, they don’t pay me enough to look that up; it’d take a while. Suffice it to say it’s pro’ly been a bit. Can’t remember too many nights they tallied 33 dimes to just 10 turnovers.

More good news? Mo Diawara played 23 minutes and Jeremy Sochan six. My joy doesn’t stem from seeing Sochan that little — he can make a difference in a specific spot in a playoff series. More that Diawara’s minutes were the second-most he’s played as a pro; that he finished a team-best +25 reminds us why so many are so high on him. A note of hope for all the Chicken Littles: Diawara’s played only 26 minutes against Detroit all season, 27 against Boston. Sochan played four minutes against the Pistons earlier in the season with the Spurs and 10 against the Celts with the Knicks. Wing depth was a weakness when this team broke camp. It isn’t now.

I’ve been playing Hades 2 an insane amount since it came out. One reason why I just can’t quit it is how far you can up the difficulty. You can make yourself weaker, make your enemies stronger, faster, tougher. It’s loads of fun, but requires a consistency and level of focus that I sometimes grow blind to; only when there’s a safe or light moment in the game does my body remember it’s okay to relax.

Quoth spreewellhasmouthstofeed: “No worries.” Last night was the last time the Knicks and their fans can relax till mid-March. Next game is 24 hours from now, a visit from Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. The Knicks are two games back of the second-seed, two games up on the fourth. Four could mean needing to beat the 76ers just to visit the Pistons; second could be hosting the Hornets and not seeing Detroit till the conference finals, if at all. Let the agita commence.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-features-profiles/79732/knicks-127-bucks-98-no-worries

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks vs Spurs, March 1, 2026

The Knicks (38*-22) host the San Antonio Spurs (43-16) for lunch at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. This will be a significant test for New York against the Western Conference’s second seed. The Knicks have won six of their last ten games, while the Spurs have won 11 straight.

The teams met most recently on December 31, 2025, when the Spurs edged the Knicks 134-132 in Texas. Julian Champagnie beheld the face of God and dropped a career-high 36 points, setting a Spurs franchise record with 11 three-pointers. (Because, the Knicks.) Victor Wembanyama added 31 points and 13 rebounds before exiting with a leg injury. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson scored 29 points. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson each added 20, and the team shot 42% from yard.

Prior to that, the Knicks beat the Spurs to win the NBA Cup, which is such an important achievement that it doesn’t even count in the record books. Trophies are cool, though.

The Spurs are one of the league’s most interesting stories this season—not quite as interesting as that betting ring that Chauncey Billups roped me into, but still up there. San Antonio ranks eighth in offensive rating at 118 and third in defensive rating at 111.3. They average 118.5 points per game while shooting 48% from the field, and rank 17th in three-point percentage at 35%. Their defensive rebounding and rim protection have been elite, anchored by that fine French specimen.

Wemby leads the way with 23.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while blocking 2.8 shots. De’Aaron Fox averages 19 points and 6.2 assists, and Stephon Castle contributes 16.6 points and 6.8 assists in his second season. Devin Vassell puts up 18 PPG as a reliable perimeter scorer, and veteran Harrison Barnes provides 10.3 PPG.

The Spurs’ probable starting five, based on their most recent game, should be Wembanyama, Castle, Fox, Champagnie, and Vassell. The injury report mentions nothing of note: some guy named David Jones Garcia is out for the Spurs, while McBride remains sidelined for the Knicks.

Prediction​

ESPN analytics gives New York a 52% chance to win. Kee-yah! The sizzlin’ Spurs are 22-10 on the road this season, while the Knicks are 22-8 at home. New York’s best answer to Wemby’s presence in the paint is Mitchell Robinson, presumably off the bench. A lively effort from Karl-Anthony Towns would be appreciated, too. If the home team plays defense, controls the pace, limits turnovers, and shoots wells (just basically everything), the sky’s the limit. As for today’s lunch menu, I hear the host plans to serve their guests a fresh hot L with spicy mustard. Knicks by 5.

Game Details​

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 1 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: ABC
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but the Cup Final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...714/game-preview-knicks-vs-spurs-march-1-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 114, Spurs 89: “Look at the box score!”

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 1: Landry Shamet #44 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In a nationally televised broadcast, the Knicks (39*-22) hosted the Spurs (43-17*) for a 1 0’clock matinee today. San Antonio came into the game as the league’s hottest team, having won 11 consecutive games. Would New York be intimidated? They would not. After a low-scoring, poor-shooting first quarter, the Knicks hit the jets. Powered by Jalen Brunson (24 PTS), Mikal Bridges (25 PTS, 5 STL), and a defensive effort that held the Spurs to their fewest points of the season, the Knicks won handily, 114-89.

TomRogerAstro says, “Look at the box score! Knicks got 97 shots to their 77!” Yessir! That’s what happens when you out-rebound a team 54-41.

This masterclass had a less than promising beginning. To start the first quarter, the Knicks flailed about while the Spurs started strong. The guests opened with a 12-5 run, powered by Victor Wembanyama (25 PTS, 13 RBS) thundering in the paint, Devin Vassell (18 PTS) creating havoc on both ends, and De’Aaron Fox (7 PTS, 6 AST) pushing the tempo. Not a great first impression for our heroes.

Out of a timeout, the Knicks ran two plays for Karl-Anthony Towns (12 PTS, 14 RBS) to attack the lane—one successful, one not. Searching elsewhere for a spark, coach Mike Brown soon replaced Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Towns with Landry Shamet (7 PTS), Mohamed Diawara (14 PTS, 4 RBS, 4-of-13 3PT), and Mitchell Robinson (4 PTS, 5 RBS, 1 BLK). By the 1:30 mark, though, New York trailed 21-14. Then Dylan Harper flagrantly violated Brunson’s landing zone and ignited the Burner! Jalen converted 2-of-3 free throws, followed by a floater-and-one, and capped his run with a 25-footer. J.B. finished the frame with 11 points, the sole Knick with more than two so far. Despite hitting 8-of-23 from the field and 2-of-9 from deep, New York won the quarter 22-21. Jalen finished the game with 24 points on 7-of-16 shooting, plus seven assists.

That marked New York’s lowest-scoring first quarter since their March 6 game in Detroit, when they managed just 17 points. Although that sounds worrisome, consider that San Antonio’s 21 was their second-lowest Q1 total of the season. It’s safe to say that both teams took a while to loosen up for the early tip-off.

Once they found their footing, the Knicks went kaboom. They rode a 34-6 run from the end of the first quarter into the second, building a 14-point lead by midway through Q2. Stunned? Me, too. Bridges set the tone with a steal-and-score, a transition finish, and a three-pointer, while KAT hit the glass, scored inside, and facilitated from the post. New York’s defense tightened, too, generating multiple forced turnovers, deflections, and steals.

Jose Alvarado with the NO-LOOK dime

NYK is on a 32-8 run! pic.twitter.com/dskEafgR2Z

— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2026

San Antonio responded by cranking up their ball pressure, creating a few steals and deflections. Once Wembanyama returned from a break, he stretched the floor with a pull-up three and finished at the rim. Still, his squad’s poor shooting and rebounding kept them on their heels, and by halftime, New York led 51-41.

That was the lowest-scoring first-half the season for San Antonio. The home team had shot better overall (43% to 37%), were slightly more effective from three (30% to 26%), and dominated the glass 27-20. Further, they had a 22-16 advantage in the paint and 14 fast-break points. Brunson led all first-half scorers with 16; Wemby had 13 for the Texans.

In the locker room, the Spurs revised their game plan: more double-teams and more touches for Wembanyama. The strategy produced mixed results. San Antonio chipped away at the deficit, but a Nova-themed response from Brunson, Josh Hart, and Bridges forced the lead back into double-digits.

Indeed, for every Spurs punch, there came a Knicks counterpunch. After Fox hit a three to trim it to 61–51, Bridges answered with a three of his own, and Towns threw down a thunderous transition dunk. Vassell and Wembanyama shouldered most of the visitors’ offensive load, while Mitchell Robinson continued to bully their frontcourt.

And here’s our man, Mo!

MOmentum. pic.twitter.com/4gHOUDBswZ

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 1, 2026

San Antonio stayed competitive behind Wembanyama—a backdoor layup, a late dunk—plus a Barnes three near the buzzer. But Bridges was on a heater and carrying the Knicks. Mikal poured in more buckets, stole more steals, and refused to be contained.

Mikal’s in such a good rhythm pic.twitter.com/aqkPcj4MKl

— Teg (@IQfor3) March 1, 2026

With five seconds left in the quarter, Jose Alvarado made a free throw. On the ensuing inbound, Wembanyama inexplicably passed the ball directly to the Spurs bench for his sixth turnover of the game—a moment that seemed to encapsulate San Antonio’s afternoon. Heading into the fourth, the Knicks led 80–69.

The Knicks opened the final frame on a 17-9 run. Diawara hit a three and a midrange jumper, Anunoby drilled a three, and Towns controlled the glass with a putback and two free throws. San Antonio still struggled to convert on offense, and Bridges picked their pocket for another score. Their advantage reached 16, and then 22 by mid-frame, as all of the Knicks got in on the scoring bonanza. From there, it was all maintenance. With two-ish minutes remaining, Mike Brown sent in the reserves and gave the main guys a well-deserved rest. Mark this one as a contender for game of the year, fans.

Up Next​

On to Toronto for a tilt on Tuesday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more. Write your congressperson about it.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-scores-results/79749/knicks-spurs-look-at-the-box-score

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks vs Spurs, March 1, 2026

Fresh off a rout of Milwaukee, the Knicks (38*-22) host the Spurs (43-16), team riding an 11-game win streak. The teams split their recent meetings: the Knicks fell 134–132 in Texas on New Year’s Eve after beating the Spurs 124–113 in the NBA Cup Final.

Tip-off is 1 pm EST on ABC. This is your game thread. This is Pounding the Rock. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be cool, fools! And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...9717/game-thread-knicks-vs-spurs-march-1-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

The Knicks’ matchup strengths & weaknesses give a wide range of potential playoff outcomes

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Jalen Brunson #11 and Landry Shamet #44 of the New York Knicks celebrate during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks just couldn’t beat good teams last year. This isn’t new information; it was highly publicized that the Knicks went 0-10 against the league’s three 60-win teams in the regular season. Did they change the narrative come playoff time when they miraculously knocked off the defending champions? Sure, but detractors pointed to that record after the team was eliminated to say they got lucky against Boston.

You look at the record beyond those teams against the best the NBA has to offer and it wasn’t pretty:

vs 60+ win teams: 0-10
vs 50+ win teams: 5-16
vs top-6 seeds: 10-20
vs above .500 teams: 19-23

They just weren’t beating much of anyone with a pulse. What they did do, however, was stomp on flat-out bad teams. They went 32-8 against below .500 teams, with four of those losses coming to either the Bulls or Hawks. In fact, in 25 games against teams who missed the play-in tournament, the Knicks went 22-3, only losing to the Hornets, Spurs, and Jazz.

So it’s fair to say that, until the playoffs, that team was a paper tiger. And if you’re in that sect of the Knicks’ fanbase, you’d probably believe it’s more of the same this year with the team’s three blowout defeats to the Pistons and the recent loss to Cleveland, but it really isn’t:

vs 60+ win pace: 0-3 (Detroit)
vs 50+ win pace: 9-7*
vs top-6 seeds: 15-9*
vs above .500 teams: 19-17*
(* This includes the NBA Cup final. Just because Adam Silver doesn’t count it, doesn’t mean it wasn’t a competitive basketball game with real stakes.)

If you take out one singular team, the Knicks are 9-4 against teams on pace to win at least 50 games and 15-6 against teams currently in playoff position. The only team they currently have a losing record against in the East is the Pistons, and the Western Conference teams aren’t in playoff position (Suns 0-2, Warriors 0-1)

It’s just fascinating to see that the Knicks can get definitive wins against several contenders, but they’ve gotten absolutely obliterated by the Pistons. Last year, you could say that the team didn’t have the personnel to compete with the top three. This year? It doesn’t make sense.

Look at what we saw on Sunday afternoon, where the Knicks completely dominated the Spurs for 40 minutes. After going down 19-7 with some of the worst offense you’ve ever seen, the Knicks outscored the hottest team in the NBA by a staggering 37 points. After prevailing in the NBA Cup behind the heroics of two guards who no longer play, the Knicks have now dominated 11 out of 12 quarters against the Spurs. Excluding the final eight minutes of the New Year’s Eve disaster that kick-started the worst 11-game stretch in several years, the Knicks have outscored the Spurs by 47 points across 11 and a third quarters.

What makes them such a tough matchup for San Antonio? While the youthful Spurs have a 7’4” demigod and some tremendous guard play, they’re extremely short on viable wings. Devin Vassell is a good shooter and, as we learned on NYE, Julian Champagnie can get hotter than fish grease. Outside of them? Do Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson strike fear into your heart? They clearly don’t for Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby.

Wingstop has had its best games this season against those Spurs, thriving at being off-ball pests (and in Anunoby’s case, using his strength to make Wemby uncomfortable) and knocking down threes. Speaking of threes, no team has it more ingrained in their heads to play off of guys like Josh Hart and Mo Diawara than Mitch Johnson’s Spurs, who’ve used the strategy in consecutive games to disrupt the offense.

Diawara hits a 3, looks back at the Spurs bench….then blocks Castle.

love this guy pic.twitter.com/YQuB5dVHSG

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) March 1, 2026

Wemby’s impact is also muted by Mitchell Robinson, who did not play in the NYE battle in San Antonio. In the two meetings where they’ve gone head-to-head, Wembanyama has been held to one offensive rebound, limiting the Spurs’ ability to get second chances (and this is with Mitch not playing much on Sunday).

Mitchell Robinson in 18 minutes:

15 REB
10 OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
2 BLKpic.twitter.com/yxbkV4l23d

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) December 17, 2025

Robinson’s defensive intensity also makes it difficult for Wemby, something that is also apparent when the Knicks face another Western Conference power: the Denver Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic is one of the league’s biggest stars, and it’s impossible to stop him from putting up numbers. While you can’t silence the Joker, you can disrupt him and make him uncomfortable. Robinson more than did that in the second half and overtime against the Nuggets in the meeting earlier this year.

enjoy
pic.twitter.com/RKCyrhHbfJ

— Teg (@IQfor3) February 5, 2026

Denver has never quite had an answer for the Knicks, as the ‘Bockers have won six of seven since November 2022.

We don’t know what this edition of the Knicks will look like against the West’s top dog, the OKC Thunder, but there’s no guarantee that the reigning champions make it back to the NBA Finals. They’re just 1-4 against the Spurs and have had a significantly tougher time with Jokic and the Nuggets for the last few seasons.

That’s what makes this NBA season so interesting. The Knicks would feel damn good about facing the Nuggets or Spurs in a prospective NBA Finals, as well as teams like the Sixers, Raptors, and maybe even the Cavaliers (until Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen show enough physicality, I won’t buy them) in the East. Yet, a Celtics team with a healthy Tatum and the Pistons wouldn’t be the best matchup, even if the Knicks are 2-1 and beat the Celtics last May. Even a healthy Magic team could give them trouble with how nasty their defense can get.

But the Pistons aren’t an inevitability if the Knicks make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Among contenders, they’re by far the worst 3-point shooting team and, except when they’re playing the Knicks, struggle to put the ball in the net against good teams

There’s a wide range of outcomes that the Knicks could face come playoff time. There shouldn’t be anyone surprised if the Knicks don’t make the ECF or if they seriously contend for a championship. It all depends on the right matchup, but that’s something that is mostly out of their control.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ve-a-wide-range-of-potential-playoff-outcomes

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘The whole team told me to shoot, for real’

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 1: Jalen Brunson #11 and Jeremy Sochan #10 of the New York Knicks high five after the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Will the Knicks go 16-0 in the playoffs? Maybe.

Will the Knicks crash out in the first round? Equally probable.

Turns out these are your Knickerbockers today. Black or white, white or black.

Mike Brown commends the Knicks for their defensive effort in today's win

He adds that he was happy with how they started taking "the right shots" pic.twitter.com/aNkzirfwhZ

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Mike Brown​

On taking the schedule one game at a time amid a tough stretch:

“You know the schedule better than me. I know we’re going to Toronto some time soon. That’s too many games for me to think about. I just take them one game at a time. I know we’ve got San Antonio at [1 p.m.] on Sunday and just trying to figure out how we’re gonna prepare for them.”

On OG Anunoby’s offensive impact on Sunday:

“It’s big. And I said this before his toe injury, he was playing at an extremely high level. This is how he was playing to a certain degree. To see that, to feel it, all that other stuff was big.”

On Bridges’ season being a process:

“It’s just a process — new coach, new system, both offensively and defensively. Not only that, but a new team and more guys behind him. Landry (Shamet) didn’t play much last year. (Miles) McBride didn’t play much last year. We got Jose (Alvarado) and we can move Jalen (Brunson) to the two-guard. There’s different ways we can go, and whether it’s Mikal or this guy or that guy, if we need to make a change over the course of the game because we need something different, it’s there. Again, guys don’t always get the minutes or shots that they want, but our first standard is about sacrificing, and everyone in that room is willing to sacrifice to make sure we achieve one common goal.”

On the team’s high-level defensive performance vs. San Antonio:

“Even the games we haven’t scored a lot of points, like at Chicago and then Houston, our defense has gotten better. We had five guys on a string,”

On telling the team to keep shooting against the Spurs:

“We started taking the right shots. I told our guys ‘let that thing fly.’ Once we started letting it fly, good things started to happen.”

On limiting the Spurs from three being a key for the win:

“That’s a really good team. They missed some shots, but I think our weakside defense was really good. For them to shoot 26, 27 percent from 3, our activity on the weakside was really good.”

On Diawara’s fearlessness and confidence:

“First thing I would say, Mo is not afraid. For a young guy, I’ve thrown him out there in games, to start, on national TV and he didn’t bat an eye. He might’ve started three games in a row, then he might not have played at all the fourth game. He doesn’t bat an eye. He’s the most confident young man I’ve been around. He’s got a chance to be, not good, [but] good-good. He’s worked extremely hard on his shooting, because like you saw tonight, teams play off of him.”

On the team’s lack of physicality and effort vs. Spurs on New Year’s Eve:

“They just, s–t, excuse my French, but they just outworked us in a lot of ways. [Spurs coach Mitch Johnson] kicked my ass. The rest of the team kicked our ass. We all got our ass kicked today. First of all, our physicality wasn’t good. We haven’t figured out how to be physical for 48 minutes in the last I don’t know how many games. And doing it without fouling. We pick up some silly fouls that we have to do a better job of. I feel everybody understands that. But now we have to go do it. So now our physicality isn’t good. And we just haven’t been able to — I don’t know if we’re tired or what, we haven’t been able to sustain anything defensively for 48 minutes. And we’ve won a lot of games and you want to win games and feel good about it. But at the end of the day, if we don’t figure out how we’re going to sustain what we’re supposed to do on defense for 48 minutes, it’s going to be a long year for us and it’s going to catch up with us.”

"Mo is not afraid…he's the most confident young man I've been around. He's got a chance to be really good."

Mike Brown praises Mo Diawara: pic.twitter.com/tBzowVcncS

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On bouncing back through adversity:

“It’s important to battle through adversity. In a playoff setting, you may lose one, you’ve got to bounce back and get the next one, and we’ve done a good job of showing we can bounce back quick. It’s a good sign for us but consistency is everything. As long as we can keep building off this momentum and keep building off this mindset, we can be the best team we can be come April.”

Mikal Bridges talks about what the Knicks have improved defensively as a team recently pic.twitter.com/IDmK8VSd9i

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Mikal Bridges​

On crediting teammates for his 25-point game against the Spurs:

“My teammates. Pretty much them. Ain’t nothing to it.”

On balancing scoring with defensive energy:

“It’s nice. But just trying to get the energy going on defense. We’ve got a lot of guys who can score, so sometimes the touches might be limited, but just control what I can control, and that’s bring energy on both ends and try to make the right read and be aggressive.”

On bringing his ‘A’ game vs. the Spurs:

“They’re a really good team and you have to bring your ‘A’ game. We have a lot of guys who can score so sometimes touches might be limited. But I try to control what I can control and that’s bring energy on both ends.”

On team defense and helping the helper:

“Just defense. We did a great job defensively as a team and just helping each other out. Sometimes there will be some missed coverages, but next guy stepping up for each other, that’s huge for us. Especially pick and roll and helping the helper. I think in the past, sometimes we’re leaving guys on an island and not trusting each other as much. But we talked about it, and we had to be better and we’ll keep getting better at it.”

Landry Shamet is grateful for the confidence that Mike Brown has shown in him pic.twitter.com/4WHMWweiia

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Landry Shamet​

On enjoying Bridges’ breakout performance:

“It’s fun [watching him score like that]. He’s dunking, man. His nose’s bleeding. Mikal’s at his best when he’s playing and he’s free and he’s having fun. It’s good to see.”

On Bridges’ versatility and sacrifice:

“He’s an incredible player. Obviously we all know where he came from before he got here. He’s capable of being in larger roles. He’s capable of being the 3-and-D guy in Phoenix for six years. He’s able to do so much as a basketball player, and for him to have a night like tonight, it’s just good to see. It’s good for the group. He plays the right way and that rewards you. It might not get all the glory every night, but he can have a few nights where he [gets the love].”

On urging Diawara to stay aggressive:

“Every time the ball touches his hands, I’m yelling at him to shoot it. I want that kid to stay aggressive. Obviously, we know how raw and talented he is.”

"I ain't make a damn thing, so I've got to do something else…you can't hit the side of the barn, you've got to do something different"

Josh Hart talks about impacting the game while his shooting confidence comes and goes: pic.twitter.com/EcAa33EY4F

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Josh Hart​

On Bridges needing to be involved offensively:

“Yeah, he’s someone that can score the ball. Sometimes, the ball has energy and you have to get him some of those shots and get him involved. On defense, he’s playing the passing lane and you kind of saw that today. It’s great to really see him get him going, and get him going in some games, and really feed off of it.”

On Bridges adjusting to a reduced offensive role:

“You come here and have Jalen and (Karl-Anthony Towns) and, offensively, might have to take a step back. Sometimes that’s difficult. Sometimes that’s tough. You go from getting 15–20 play calls to getting three or four play calls. Mentally, it can take time to adjust to that. I think that’s something he’s worked with and getting more comfortable with it. He’s able to not worry about that or focus on that and play his game.”

On the need for sustaining playoff-level defense:

“I think It’s just another example of where we can be defensively. We have to do that on a nightly basis. Now, we know it’s all about getting better every day and being the best team we can be going into the playoffs. We have to continue to build off of this. And not have lulls at this point. It can’t be up and down. It has to be a steady climb.”

Mo Diawara receives cheers from his teammates in the background as he conducts a postgame interview

On getting up 14 shots today: "Everybody was like, 'keep shooting – the whole team told me to shoot'" pic.twitter.com/rNIkb1s43n

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 1, 2026

Mohamed Diawara​

On teammates encouraging him to shoot:

“Everybody was like ‘keep shooting and take your shot,’ The whole team told me to shoot, for real.”

Mitchell Robinson on X: pic.twitter.com/GWNuWrLLyr

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 1, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/79745/knicks-bulletin-xxx

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks at Raptors, March 3, 2026

The Knicks (39*-22) head to Toronto to face the Raptors (35-25) in a matchup of top-five East teams. The Raptors defend well (seventh in defensive rating) but are middling offensively, led by Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, with guest appearances by our old friends, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. New York has defeated Toronto 11 straight times. Make it 12?

Tip off is 7:30 p.m. EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is RaptorsHQ. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Extend kindness to your fellow humans. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the stupid NBA Cup doesn’t count. Grumble grumble.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...92/game-thread-knicks-at-raptors-march-3-2026