News Knicks Team Notes

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I think I look good. I got beautiful skin’

No Knicks game today as New York will take on Orlando hella early on Saturday.

The Magic will host the Knicks next as the Manhattanites try to extend their road-winning streak to 2-0 after legally and cleanly beating the Mavericks on Thursday.

Here’s some stuff for you to enjoy on this slow Friday.

.@nyknicks @ufc @NYRangers @WWE pic.twitter.com/WsPI0OpZYk

— MSG (@TheGarden) November 20, 2025

Mike Brown​

On winning ugly:
“You have to win in different ways, and if we lost the game, I’ll tell you — it sounds crazy — but I thought we competed. I thought we tried to play the game the right way tonight, and when you do those things, then the confidence starts to build, and you can start stacking wins on the road because you’re about the right stuff. And tonight, we were about the right stuff even though the shots didn’t go in.”

On respecting opponents and winning despite injuries:“Everybody’s good. Miami’s missing Bam [Adebayo] and Tyler Herro and they’re finding ways to win games. I know we were missing Jalen, OG [Anunoby], two of our quote-unquote All-Stars against Miami at home, and we found a way to win. Anything can happen on any given night in this league. And you’ve gotta respect everybody, and however you can get a win, you go get that win and you feel good about it and you keep trying to get a little bit better. So I don’t care what spread is or what the thoughts should be on the spread. We competed, we tried to play the right way and we got a dub.”

On three-point shooting struggles and staying persistent:
“I thought we had some tremendous looks in the first half that could have opened up the game for us. We’ve gotta keep taking them.”

On paint-touch kickouts:
“The one thing that won us the game was paint-touch sprays. Jalen had a big one in transition. He touched the paint, he played off two, we spaced the floor the right way, he kicked that ball, he trusted his teammate… and Landry shot a wide-open corner 3 and made it. So the paint touch spray — something we preached about playing against this team — worked out well for us to help us create, get a lead and keep the lead down the stretch.”

On Mo Diawara’s playing time:
“I would have loved to try to throw Mo out there a little bit longer. I think Mo’s done a great job in the short minutes he’s played.”

On Diawara’s fit while OG Anunoby is out:
“[We’d like] to try to get him some minutes during this time of the year, especially while OG’s out, to keep us long and athletic would be ideal.”

On Josh Hart’s importance and missusage:
“You definitely want guys to feel good about how they’re being used. In the same breath, Josh has been fantastic. I think there were two games, maybe three, early on, that I kick myself for not throwing him back in the game late. They’re not the same player, but man, he’s just such a glue piece like Andre Iguodala was in Golden State. He just ties everything and everybody together. He does so many things out there that are just really simple that makes the game easier for everybody. He’s a two-way guy. His personality, his presence, is of a leadership quality. Those descriptions, that’s what reminds me of Andre. He can definitely do that for us and probably play more minutes.”

On Shamet’s role and versatility:
“I was a big fan of him, watching [him] play last year and even prior, and so it was, for me, having him a part of this team, completed the group. Now we have a lot of diverse guys. He’s just doing, in my opinion, what he’s capable of doing.”

On Shamet’s performance vs. Dallas:
“I think I look good. I got beautiful skin. I got a beautiful bald black head. I could lose a little weight, maybe. I think I look good regardless if Landry is making shots or not.”

On Shamet proving him right:
“My hat goes off to him.”

On his rotation decisions and keeping players fresh:
“It’s huge for a lot of reasons, but also it’s so early in the season and the reality of it is, I don’t want to gas my guys this early in the season. And if the minutes can be respectable across the board, especially at this time of the year, then we can increase the minutes come playoff time or come late in the season. In case we have to throw somebody in the game, there is a comfort level they have — not only what they have, but I have, the staff has, and everybody else has, with somebody new on the floor.”

We did indeed find the proof that Joakim blocked Jalen and was talking his talk @DoorDash

Every time a player drops 50 points, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass. pic.twitter.com/0BqsBr4buQ

— Roommates Show (@Roommates__Show) November 21, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On confidence leading to opportunity in the NBA:
“It’s the NBA. A lot of guys are really gifted and talented. A lot of the NBA is confidence. So when you get opportunity and confidence mixed together, you can have a hell of game, a hell of a season. You can have a hell of a career. A lot of guys have the confidence. You just need the opportunity.”

Knicks-Mavs NBA Last 2-Minute Report says Brandon Williams “illegally hooks Landry Shamet” so the offensive foul on Williams game-tying attempt with less than a second left is correct pic.twitter.com/GljC9CRrhA

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Landry Shamet​

On the Knicks’ narrow win in Dallas:
“I think the biggest takeaway is we don’t even want to be in that position. There are so many things we could look at and point to… where it wouldn’t have to come down to us missing five out of six [free throws] and all the chaos down the stretch.”

“I’m a wealthy man today at 73, because of my players… I’m excited that they can get some wealth.” @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/6ifnecsWeP

— Roommates Show (@Roommates__Show) November 20, 2025

Josh Hart​

On the Knicks’ ugly road win:
“We’re extremely encouraged. It was an ugly game. We didn’t play the best. We didn’t shoot the best. But we were able to tough it out and find a way to win.”

On his playing time before OG Anunoby’s injury:
“I hope. I think before that I was playing — before he went down, I think I was playing the least minutes of my career.”

On his reaction to his diminished role to start the season:
“When I’m mad, yeah. But I’m ready to always do what needs to be done to help the team get wins.”

On being a coach on the floor:
“I think it just shows the respect level that they have of myself and the input that I’m able to have. Every coach that I’ve played with — except for Stan Van Gundy — had an open line of communication. He lets me kind of go out there and play and read the game and call different plays if I see something, stuff like that. He gives me a lot of leeway and grace with it and obviously it’s appreciated. That’s kind of like my role on the team to make sure, to be that guy.”

On Shamet’s value and return-on-investment:
“Sometimes it’s tough. The first time (a player gets a non-guaranteed contract), it’s hard to get off of that — I don’t want to say label. Last year, he was in and out of the rotation. He’s a guy that can shoot the ball really well. He brings energy, toughness, physicality. And you know, luckily we were able to bring him back.”

On eating M&Ms after falling into the crowd:
“Nah, that probably wasn’t a great decision. It was in the moment. I saw all the M&Ms flying. Obviously, I’m still a Mike & Ike’s guy.”

Meet Kevin McCullar Jr., a San Antonio, Texas native who loves tacos and making winning plays pic.twitter.com/9080MrHT9J

— Westchester Knicks (@wcknicks) November 20, 2025

Mikal Bridges​

On Shamet’s role and reliability:
“I’ve been knowing Landry, and I know, if I was ever building a team or if I’m coaching a team, I’ll always have Landry in my lineup or our rotation. We know what he’s capable of, how hard he works on both ends. And how he comes into work, how he comes into the game and prep and really locked in. So I’ve known Landry for so long and I know what he’s capable of and don’t leave him open. I’ve played with him so much, he makes a couple and he don’t see anybody after that. That ball going to go in.”

“I really think you guys have the potential to do great things this year. This is in my opinion, a much better team than last year.” pic.twitter.com/FDdrWL52b1

— Roommates Show (@Roommates__Show) November 20, 2025

Rick Pitino​

On the 2025–26 Knicks:
“I really think that you guys have the potential to do great things this year. This is, in my opinion, a much better team than last year.”

On team strength regardless of coaching change:
“Nothing to do with coaching or anything like that, I think you’re a much better basketball team. I think you have all of the answers, if the big guy can stay healthy.”

"He does some really nice things. He throws the ball up ahead on the court…He follows directions…He's a good role player"

–– Knicks President Phil Jackson on why he picked Frank Ntilikina 8th in the 2017 Draft

5 days later Phil was gone pic.twitter.com/H4hg8uo0AY

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 21, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...etin-i-think-i-look-good-i-got-beautiful-skin

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Right now, I think, I’m better than Russ’

Believe it or not, the Knicks won one on the road.

New York visited Dallas and handed the Mavs a controversial L, earning their first win outside MSG.

Here’s what he heard before and after yesterday’s victory.

"Gotta string some stops together…Box out…Keep finding DLo"

–– Mike Brown in Knicks huddle pic.twitter.com/SHRayglJPx

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Mike Brown​

On managing minutes early in the season:
“It’s so early in the season, the reality of it is that I don’t want to gas my guys this early in the season. If the minutes can be respectable across the board, especially at this time of the year, then we can increase the minutes come playoff time or late in the season. Getting these guys reps in case someone gets hurt or in case we have to throw someone in the game. There is a comfort level that they have, and not only that they have, but I have, the staff has and everybody else has with someone new on the floor.”

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On player usage and Josh Hart’s role:
“You definitely want guys to feel good about how they’re being used as part of the group, but in the same breath, Josh has been fantastic. There’s been two, maybe three instances early on that I’ve kicked myself for not throwing him back in the game late.”

On Hart’s versatility:
“They’re not the same player, but he’s such a glue piece like Andre Iguodala was in Golden State. He just ties everything and anybody together. He does so many things out there that are just really simple that makes the game easier for everybody… And he can definitely do that for us and probably play more minutes, but at the end of the day, we have a good team, and I’m gonna try to spread [the minutes] around as best I can.”

On Landry Shamet’s defense:
“I give the referee credit. It was a hook. And a lot of people might not have called it down the stretch but it was the right call. And he definitely took Shamet’s left arm and I had a great view of it, and I’m glad the official did, and more importantly I’m glad he made the right call.”

On the defensive player of the game vs. Dallas:
“Shamet was the team’s defensive player of the game. Fantastic job on the ball all night.”

On deciding on Mitchell Robinson’s minutes:
“I’m not sure about that. We’ve gotta take it one game at a time and follow what the medical people tell us. He can go longer with his stretches. He can go longer with his minutes now than before. It’s constantly on the rise based on what Casey and his group tell us.”

On rebounding rules and Josh Hart:
“Josh is a special rebounder. And … we have crash zones where we want our guys to crash the glass from. But the reality of it is, as special as Josh is, when it comes to second opportunities, he’s going to have a lot of freedom, no matter where he is on the floor.”

On player freedom within his system:
“I’m a quick decision guy. Catch it, pass it, shoot it or snap drive. But if Jalen catches it, he dances with it a little bit, he’s got that leeway, that freedom. If he dances with it two or three times in a row and it’s not working, it’s my job to say, ‘Hey, let’s go quick decision and we’re moving on.’ But those types of guys have the freedom.”

On Steve Kerr’s competitive edge:
“Steve looks like this all-American dude, kid with blonde hair and blue eyes and everybody thinks he’s nice and sweet and all that. You know, he can be an a–hole. He’s competitive. He used to preach to our guys, ‘Nah, we’re not holding the ball. Finish the game. If they don’t wanna play defense, screw ’em. We’re gonna finish the game. We’re gonna keep getting better.’”

On running up the score in the NBA Cup:
“I don’t know if I have what it takes to do that all the time. I feel bad. I feel like I’m competitive, maybe not as much as Steve. I feel bad trying to run the score up. But in the Cup situation, it’s natural, because of the point differential. And I think at the end of games, it should be the way that Steve says. Just freakin’ play. Because the guys on the floor, they need to get better. You wanna execute. You don’t want a turnover. Just keep playing. That’s what competition is about. So, I like it. I hope others do, too, because that’s what true competition is about.”

On game pace and injuries around the league:
“I think if we did play less games, it would help because the game is faster and you’re putting a lot of pressure on everyone’s bodies playing three in four nights or 14–15 back-to-backs throughout the course of a year. So if you had a few more days in-between to recover, from a novice speaking, I think it would be better, but that’s just my two cents. Not every other day. That’s still a lot. But to space it out just a little bit more, have less back-to-backs so guys have a real opportunity to recover, I think could be beneficial just because of how fast the game is.”

"I mean, chaos"

–– Jalen Brunson on Knicks win in Dallas 113-111 pic.twitter.com/i0UpOW4ATm

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On his mindset during pressure situations:
“These are building blocks to the stuff we have to work on now. The quicker we get better at this, the better it’s going to be for us in the long run. These are not pressure situations. This is the stuff we work on. It’s what we do … let’s go out and do it.”

On the controversial ending and beating Dallas:
“Chaos. At the same time, found a way to win. It was ugly. When you win ugly, it’s a sign of a team learning, getting better. No matter what the situation is, we’ve got to find a way to win.”

On ending the losing streak on the road:
“Finally. Finally. We’re happy, but we got a lot of work to do.”

Good morning pic.twitter.com/exnWGe3Brl

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Mikal Bridges​

On Brunson’s toughness and return from injury after missing just two games:
“Just mental toughness. Just going through pain. I know a lot of guys be in pain, and some guys sit out longer than usual. But I think it’s just mental toughness to get through it and be alright playing through pain. You ain’t gotta be 100 percent out there. So I think that mental toughness he has.”

"Can I have one?"

–– Free candy for Josh Hart pic.twitter.com/HUv9cWf30S

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Josh Hart​

On knowing rebounding rules but enjoying some freedom:
“I know what the zones are supposed to be. But for me, it’s just across halfcourt. That’s my zone.

“Obviously, you’d like to crash corners and stuff like that. But for me, I have a good track on the ball, and if I’m able to make a break on it, I’m going to do that. [Brown’s] kind of given me the green light to do that and kind of bend the rules a little bit. He lets me kind of have free rein. Just roam and be myself.”

On overtaking Russell Westbrook as the best rebounding guard:
“Right now, I think, I’m better than Russ. But the history books — he’s the best rebounding guard to ever play the game. In that sense, it’s a fun kind of title or label to have.”

On his admiration for Westbrook:
“His competitiveness, his passion — he’s one of the guys I definitely admire.”

On Brown’s flexibility:
“It’s just of one those things — it’s coaches being able to adapt to their personnel. It’s: ‘This is the style that I normally do, that I’m comfortable with. But this person has this skill set, they’re very good at that, I don’t want to limit that. So let him be himself.’ Obviously, give him credit for that.”

On playing more with OG Anunoby out:
“I hope [I play more]. Before he went down, I think I was playing the least minutes of my career.”

On checking his minutes after games:
“When I’m mad, yeah. But I’m ready to have to always do what needs to be done to help the team get wins.”

On adapting to coaches:
“For players it takes a while to get used to a system, and with coaches it takes a while to get used to players.”

On the NBA schedule:
“Do I think there’s too many games? Yeah. Conversely, will governors and league and players take a pay cut to not do that? I don’t know.”

On soft-tissue injuries:
“The guys are faster, they’re stronger, they’re more athletic. And with that being said, you have to allow more time than normal of rest and recovery. But for me, I never really worry too much about the injury side of it. I pray before every game, and if something does happen, it’s part of my testimony.”

Landry Shamet on his clutch 3-pointers, missed free throws, and getting the call to end it in a wild finish for the Knicks.@LT__Murray | @NYKnicks | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/8yWDCkXatF

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) November 20, 2025

Landry Shamet​

On the controversial foul call:
“I knew if he was calling something, it was an offensive foul. Did I think he was going to? Down the stretch, you guys know how the whistle is and sometimes it’s play through it, sometimes you get the call.”

On the referee’s decision:
“That was a good call by the officials. Tough way to see the game end on a call like that, but I think they made the right call. I want that one, as a defender, I want that one.”

On the Knicks’ overall performance:
“We don’t want it to come down to that, though. We gotta do a better job of playing 48 minutes and find a way to create some more separation earlier in the game.”

On clutch shooting:
“The ball found me, I didn’t find any open looks early. Stayed composed, and knew, had a feeling some would come in the fourth and they did. Just step in, ready to shoot, good plays by my teammates, and I’ll take them.”

On his missed free throws and winning ugly:
“I gotta make two free throws. A wild finish down the stretch. It’s a road win, they’re not always gonna be pretty. That was not 48 minutes of basketball that we would like to play. But you’ll take the road win, and we can build on it.”

Knicks: DMX Where the Hood at

Mitchell Robinson: pic.twitter.com/mPt63FiwmP

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Mitchell Robinson​

On the mental side of his role:
“It was at first, but after thinking about it a lot, obviously I don’t want to miss the playoffs or later on in the future. Whatever’s best, just going to stick to it.”

On making the most of his short bursts of play:
“I feel like I adjusted pretty well, getting out there playing hard for my little short minutes bursts, whatever. Just taking it all in.”

On doing what’s asked:
“Doing what [Brown] asks, bro. Doing what he asks.”

On contributing in any role:
“I just continue to play hard. And if they need me out there longer, shorter, whatever, I’m just there.”

On playing time flexibility:
“I’m just doing what they ask, bro. [I can play] whatever they throw me out there for.”

On staying locked in:
“Just go out there and play hard, do the little things. Box-out, offensive rebounding. Everything else is gonna work itself out.”

On his health priorities:
“Just want to be healthy, ready to play. That’s the biggest goal. Keep doing everything right and keep hooping.”

"I never was thinking about leaving Dallas. I love Dallas, I love working for Patrick [Dumont]. … But I think it's safe to say we all enjoy being wanted. That was a nice touch."

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd on the Knicks' interest in him this past summer 🗣

(via… pic.twitter.com/jWU9Hf4grx

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 20, 2025

Jason Kidd​

On playing in New York for the Knicks late in his career:
“It’s the Mecca. It’s one of the most popular places to play. I enjoyed that one year. The car ran out of gas at the end. Had to park it.”

On the Knicks job and staying in Dallas:
“I think when you look at what the Knicks did this summer, understand it was denied, but I never was thinking about leaving. I love Dallas, I love working for Patrick. Understanding that we have a lot of work to be done to be a champion. I’m all-in to be able to do that. I was drafted here, I won here, I love the city, I love the fans, so it never crossed my mind to leave Dallas. I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted. So that was a nice touch.”

On his time with the Nets:
“But I really enjoyed that place when I played on the other side of the river in New Jersey, because we owned it. Wanted to see if I could make you guys laugh. I’ve been practicing that all day.”

The Mavericks lose in a heartbreaker to the Knicks as Brandon Williams scored on the layup but they called him an offensive foul.

The Mavericks didn’t have any timeouts left and were unable to call a challenge. pic.twitter.com/UFuT7ekT5m

— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) November 20, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ulletin-right-now-i-think-im-better-than-russ

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks at Magic, Nov. 22, 2025

After limping to a 113-111 win against the Mavericks late Wednesday night, the New York Knicks (9-5) are in line for an evening bash with the Orlando Magic (9-7), one of the most formidable opponents the Eastern Conference has to offer.

New York finally got off the schneid against Dallas, picking up their first road victory of the season. While it certainly wasn’t pretty at times, it was the heroics of Landry Shamet (and an extremely favorable offensive foul call at the end of regulation) that catapulted the Knicks to a W.

Mitchell Robinson on IG: pic.twitter.com/md87ddehpX

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

It was a much-needed win for New York, struggling to win away from home and in the middle of a five-game road trip. And there may not have been a more encouraging sign than Jalen Brunson taking the floor after missing a couple of games with (another) ankle sprain. Brunson, of course, did Brunson things in his first game back, scoring 28 points and dishing out 5 assists. How lucky are we?

Next up? The Magic, who have quietly been figuring things out down in Florida. Winners of 8 of their last 11 games, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the team heading into this season. After trading for Desmond Bane and strengthening the backend of their rotation, the hype is finally starting to come to fruition.

Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have been a tad below their level of play from last season, and while they’ve picked it up lately, it hasn’t mattered because help has been right behind them. Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. have all been pulling their weight, providing a scoring punch behind their main guys, and early-season jumps from Tristan Da Silva and Anthony Black give Orlando a deep team that can beat you with a lot of different weapons.

We’ve already seen firsthand how tough this Orlando team can be. On November 12th, just 10 short days ago, the Magic walked into MSG and beat the Knicks, 124-107, giving them their first home loss of the year. Franz had 28. Bane had 22. New York got crushed on the glass. Not good.

We’ll see if they can right their wrongs this time around, this time down at the Kia Center. 5:00 PM tonight. Be there.

Prediction:

Tonight’s game will come down to whether or not the Knicks can outfight Orlando. No finesse needed.

This time around, OG Anunoby is sidelined, but the Magic are missing Paolo Banchero, sidelined with a groin injury. If the Knicks had looked stronger on the road, I’d go with them, but a toss-up with the Magic at home makes me lean in their favor, especially with the recent form they’ve been displaying. I’d say Magic by two possessions, when it’s all said and done.

I hope I’m wrong.

Game Details​

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Place: Kia Center, Orlando, FL
TV: MSG Network
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...5647/game-preview-knicks-at-magic-nov-22-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Magic 133, Knicks 121: Mauled by the Magic

Ten days ago, the Orlando Magic (10-7) snapped the Knicks’ (9-6) perfect home win streak. Tonight was supposed to be the get-even game. Not quite. The Knicks managed to take a 66-64 lead into intermission despite an underwhelming first-half performance. After the break, the home team got serious and even more physical (if you can believe it). They blew the lid off early in the fourth, answering every Knicks push and with an equal response and more. Garbage time came early. Final: Magic 133, Knicks 121.

Give credit to the Magic, whose 133 points were a season-high. Also recording a season high: Franz Wagner, with a final line of 37 points, seven assists, and six rebounds on 13-of-19 from the field. One turnover, too, in his 34 minutes. Overall, the Disneys had five players in double-digit points, with Desmond Bane dropping 27 and Jalen Suggs contributing 26.

For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson recorded a 33-point, 11-assist double-double. Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges was a net positive, with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and two more steals. Consult the box score for the rest. And take note of Josh Hart’s -19 +/-. Rough game for him.

Worst news of the night: Not long into this game, Landry Shamet, the Knicks’ best sparkplug off the bench recently, collided with Wendell Carter, Jr. and appeared to dislocate again the shoulder he dislocated last year. He ran straight to the locker room and did not return to the court. Carter appears to lower his shoulder into Shamet on the play. What is it with these dirty Florida teams?

Landry Shamet looks like he just dislocated his shoulder.

Unreal. pic.twitter.com/f2csFptDX2

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) November 22, 2025

First Half​

The first quarter was a mess, with whistles and turnovers aplenty. Both teams struggled to find rhythm, committing 18 combined turnovers and shooting poorly from deep. Brunson paced the Knicks early, splashing a pair of threes on his way to 11 points, while Wagner repeatedly forced his way to the line for the Disneys.

New York fell behind, then briefly regained control behind an 11–2 run, courtesy of Brunson’s shotmaking and a pair of Mitchell Robinson alley-oops, but Orlando’s response (Wagner’s free throws, Bane’s late three-point play) swung the momentum back in their favor. By the buzzer, the home team escaped this debacle with a 31–29 edge thanks to Desmond Bane’s tip-in at the buzzer.

Here’s Mitch:

MITCHELL ROBINSON GOIN WAYYYY pic.twitter.com/X5NLEwwSj0

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 22, 2025

In the second quarter, Jordan Clarkson gave New York a spark early. Towns added inside scoring, including a big dunk, but Orlando stayed close behind Wagner and Suggs. The former drilled a late three to trim the differential, but the Knicks controlled most of the final stretch (thanks to some Brunson heroics) and carried a two-point lead into the break.

Sometime during the quarter, my friend texted that Mohamed Diawara looks like an ‘uncoordinated gazelle.’ An accurate assessment of his eight first-half minutes, I’d say.

Through the half, the Knicks had shot efficiently, hitting 61% from the floor and 8-for-20 from deep. Orlando stayed within nipping distance by dominating the free-throw line (17-for-20) and the offensive glass (seven O-Boards to New York’s three). Our heroes had dished up 18 dimes and matched the Magic in steals and blocks, but both teams struggled with turnovers (NY 9, ORL 10).

Second Half​

The Magic continued to play NFL basketball through the second half. Not knocking it, we loved when the Knicks used to break heads, but it’s never pleasant to be on the receiving end.

The Knicks briefly stayed ahead behind a Clarkson triple, steady scoring from Towns, and a Hart and-one. For every punch, though, Orlando had an answer. They gradually exerted their dominance thanks to Wagner’s relentless drives, Bane’s perimeter shooting (3-of-7 tonight), and aggressive play by Suggs and Tristan da Silva. A flurry of late Magic tricks (Anthony Black’s steal, Bane’s step-back three) capitalized on two Brunson turnovers and closed the quarter on a run. Orlando won the period 34-27, and it sure didn’t seem like the Knicks would figure out how to flip the script.

Fourth quarter, more of the same. Suggs was obnoxious:

THIS is Jalen Suggs https://t.co/1lbAvBbW5W pic.twitter.com/I7x2f8JORj

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 23, 2025

And Wagner met little resistance:

35 now for Franz… 3 off his career high!

Magic lead Knicks in the 4Q on NBA TV.

Watch here: https://t.co/RJGJN8BDEJ https://t.co/TSA12Yyap7 pic.twitter.com/G9or3fhwCm

— NBA (@NBA) November 23, 2025

Yep, Orlando controlled the fourth quarter from the jump. New York scored first to cut the lead to three, but don’t believe your lyin’ eyes. Jonathan Isaac’s put-back dunks, Anthony Black’s corner three, and relentless scoring from Wagner, Bane, and Suggs pushed the lead into double digits and kept it there. The Knicks couldn’t get stops, and garbage time might have technically commenced with 2:30 remaining, but you could argue it started somewhere around the first quarter. On to the next one.

Up Next​

The road trip comes home, sorta, for a battle in Brooklyn on Monday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...5659/magic-133-knicks-121-mauled-by-the-magic

 

[New York Knicks]

November P&T mailbag: the move to make, the Pistons & does more rest = more injuries?

One of my two favorite holidays is four days away. For the past four months I’ve lived with a new gastrointestinal reality, one that strictly restricts the variety and volume of foods I can enjoy in my middle age. I don’t wanna think about that. I’d rather think about the many excellent questions raised by you lot in last week’s P&T mailbag invite. Ergo, here we go.

How are the vibes currently, on a scale of 1 (despicable) to 5 (immaculate)? What is the vibes projection for mid-year (January) and end-year (June)?

— FooBarChu

I’d rate the vibes an unstinting 3.

The Knicks are 9-6, tied with Philadelphia for the 12th-best record in the league. Nothing to write home about. Know what, though? Last year after 15 games they were 9-6 too. 2024? Same: 9-6. So, things could be better, but things could be worse, and lately things have been pretty much what they are now.

If homecourt advantage seemed essential for this team, or there were some Eastern behemoth off to a scalding start, a la the Celtics and Cavaliers last season, I’d care more about the Knicks’ early-season form. But in the Jalen Brunson era, this team has closed out three playoff series on the road and won late-and-close postseason games in Boston. They’re only a game and a half behind the first-place Raptors in their division — hey, divisions! Remember those? Long as the Knicks win the Atlantic, their seeding will be fine. I’d rather be them right now than the Cavs, already four back of the Pistons in the loss column.

So though the Knicks def aren’t setting the world on fire, neither are they getting punked. They’re just trying to make it happen, man, one day at a time, same as most of us. That’s as 3 as 3s get. I suspect by mid-January, health-permitting, the vibes will be a little better — 3.5ish. By June it’ll be 1 or 5, agony or ecstasy, no room for in-between.

Say we’re first in the East, fully healthy approaching the trade deadline, and you had to make one roster move. What move would you make to put us on par with Oklahoma City?

— Jslashnoel

If a credible big man were available then, someone improbably inexpensive whom the Knicks could land for Pacôme Dadiet and a second-rounder or two, that’s my move. Mind you, I don’t always ride the trade-Dadiet bus. But in Jslashnoel’s hypothetical, the Knicks are rolling along and only thinking title-or-bust. If that’s the goal, Dadiet’s $2.8 million slot might be better occupied by someone who fits a needier position of need, though the Knicks are so claustrophobically close to the second apron they’re limited to players who make Dadiet money.

With Derik Queen’s ascent in New Orleans, would the Pelicans consider moving on from 2025 All-Rookie Second Team center Yves Missi? Does that sound crazy? Have you met the Pelicans? Is Drew Eubanks a difference-maker over seven games with the Thunder? The Kings have completely melted down into madness again, inexplicably playing Keon Ellis 25% fewer minutes a game in his walk year; could the Knicks take advantage of this latest self-induced Viveksection and add another quality wing, a position where the Thunder enjoy an embarrassment of riches? Know who else is a King?

Update: Precious Achiuwa signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Sacramento Kings, league sources said.

— Michael Scotto (@mikeascotto.bsky.social) 2025-11-07T17:59:27.851Z

If bigs are your thing, Marvin Bagley III has shown some bounce back after last season, and puts up big-time rebounding numbers. Especially on the offensive glass. Call me crazy, but there’s a multiverse where the Knicks get oddly terrific production (in limited minutes) from Bagley III in a Finals against the Thunder. Otherwise . . . Tony Bradley? Mason Plumlee? Those doing anything for you?

I don’t think the Knicks have a championship-caliber set of bigs, particularly given one of their 7-footers’ injury history and how specialized both their 7-footers are. If Mitch goes down, there goes their rim protection; if Towns does, the offense levels down considerably. Maybe the Ellis route is the better way to add meaningful depth, keeping OKC in mind. Lotta trade rumors the last few years about Isaiah Stewart coming this way. That would’ve hit the spot niiiiiicely, as the Knicks appear one big short. Relatedly:

How worried are you about Guerschon Yabusele’s poor play?

— Bargzzz

I wouldn’t say “worried,” though he’s struggling. That’s to be expected: dude’s gone from 27 a minutes a night for Philadelphia to 10 minutes per with a new team. The only other Knick dealing with that much of a minutes shift is Josh Hart, who at least enjoys the benefit of roster continuity. Yabusele’s life is nothing but adjustments these days. So I’m not “worried” as much as “yet to be impressed.”

I have wondered if/how Yabusele’s transition may have been impacted by him gaining 25 pounds last offseason, weighing in as the league’s fifth-heaviest player behind only Zach Edey, Jusuf Nurkić, Nikola Jokić and Zion Williamson. That massification must align with the Knicks’ vision for Yabusele, else they wouldn’t have signed him, right?

Keep in mind: Isaiah Hartenstein struggled a TON his first few months here after his time as a Clipper, where they had him shooting 3s. He had to make some big adjustments, too. Give Yabusele some time. Also worth keeping in mind: Yabusele’s replacing Precious Achiuwa. To be a success, he really just needs to be better than Achiuwa. Plenty of time to get there — or get someone else who is.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Also, this team as of now seems to be not ready for prime time. Do you think that’ll change when the playoffs come around?

— Unmitigated Gall

I’m struck by UG’s first verb being “could” and not “would.” It eliminates the alliterative play of “wood would a woodchuck,” and it’s redundant, as there’s another “could” seven words later. But I can’t make too much of it, since UG didn’t get much runway to elaborate. Maybe they would have shown me something I’m not seeing, never would have imagined. Same with these Knickerbockers.

It’s not a sexy hot-take answer, but I am not as of yet concerned, nor do I consider them not ready for primetime. Their early road form is uneven, at times uninspiring, but I know trust they can win there when the chips are down. True, the only really good team they’ve beaten was Cleveland on opening night; then again, they haven’t played any other really good teams. Unless you consider Minnesota a contender, the only one the Knicks have faced all year are the Cavs; they don’t see another until hosting those same Cavs Christmas Day. After that, you gotta wait till February for Denver and Houston. The Thunder games come early and late in March.

The 2025-26 Knicks have yet to paint a masterpiece. They’re also mostly yet to work on any kind of canvas.

17% of the season in, what do you make of Mike Brown?

— JorgiePorgie

I’m very nearly 17% of the way to forming an opinion.

I don’t mean that flippantly; I’m really, consciously trying to let more of the season unfold before forming an opinion. Once when I was still professoring, a month into a semester, I took over a research writing course after the original professor had to deal with a family emergency. I’ve designed and taught a dozen courses over the years, but I’d never had the experience of stepping in for someone else, someone who’d established a much more detailed and different approach than my own. I struggled with it. All my usual measures and metrics were meaningless; I was working as much just to grasp what I’d inherited as I was trying to teach it.

Mike Brown is probably the first Knick coach since Mike Woodson whose job description is more editor than writer. That’s a credit to Thibs, who created enough of something worthwhile for editing to be possible. More than any Knick coach I can think of since Jeff Van Gundy, any evaluation of Brown cannot commence, much less conclude, before their first season ends. My students were kind to me, both with their patience and their post-semester reviews. I assume the Knick players are similarly extending Brown both time and space to make changes they probably support — otherwise the old ways and old boss would still be in place.

Why aren’t you worried about Detroit? Knick fan here, saw both ‘chips and watch all their games. Detroit gave New York all it could handle in [the] playoffs last year, are better this year and very physical. [The Orlando] Magic showed how to take Knicks out of Brown’s style and New York reverted to iso-ball at a slower pace.

— rf5

Not worried about the Pistons? That is foolish. They are a year more experienced, and Jalen Duren is terrific, more focused and his temper seems under control. They could win it all, they are not going away for years.

— hockeybeaverton

Shortly before Thanksgiving 2002, Yao Ming’s rookie year, he went on a hot streak that saw him drill 31 of 35 shot attempts. Imagine telling someone back then not only would the Rockets never win a championship with Yao, they’d only win one playoff series with him, period.

I like Jalen Duren’s game. I’m not picking Detroit to buck history because he’s had a nice month.

I can only think of two teams this century to win a title without winning a single playoff series the year before. Ironically, they’re the league’s bluebloods, proving the notion of prestige really is a classist shell game meant to keep the masses down: in 2020 the Lakers won the Bubble ‘chip after missing six straight postseasons and not winning a round for seven; the 2008 Celtics won it all after missing the prior two postseasons and going five years without a series victory. Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins have all been positive additions to the Pistons, but LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen they ain’t.

Franchises just don’t go 17 years without a single series win and then suddenly rip off four straight. Even the 2007 Cavaliers, a team that had no business in the Finals that LeBron carried there, had the experience of besting the Wizards in the opening round the year prior. Maybe in retrospect topping a Gilbert Arenas-led outfit isn’t that big of a deal, but LeBron let it marinate.

Going back further, the 2004 Pistons were pretty new in a lotta ways — that was Larry Brown and Rasheed Wallace’s first year there — but they’d made the ECF the year before under Rick Carlisle, and won a combined three series the previous two years. Before that, the last surprise champ is a team well-known in these parts, the 1994 Rockets. Houston had only won one series the six years prior to winning the first of their consecutive championships, when they defeated . . . well, now how about that. I can’t place it. I plum forgot. Allergies? El Niño? Who can say?

P.S. That Yao field-goal percentage stat has been seared into my brain for 23 years. I’ve been waiting literally DECADES for a reason to bust it out! You got any weird sports stats like that? Let ‘em out in the comments.

Why does it feel like there have been 5 games over 2 months this season? Feels like too many non-game days to possibly cram 82 in by season’s end.

— JalenBrunsavior.

I’m writing about the Knicks less than I have since I first started in 2014. My sense of time is completely untethered now that I’m not recapping 60-70 games a year. They feel like an NFL team to me; every game is an event unto itself. Given the Association continues to try and pass off the heresy that a greater workload doesn’t result in bodies breaking down more, I’m very cool with this timeless, protoplasmic early-season state of being.

A well-respected Knicks writer published this line recently:

“Mike Brown is, 10% into the season, consistently asking less of everybody now, ostensibly so there’s more in the tank should the Knicks be playing in Oklahoma City come June”

Tom Thibodeau famously believed that logging a large volume of regular-season minutes meant the starters were in superb shape by the end of the season and therefore less likely to get injured or fatigued in the postseason. Given that two of our playoff opponents last year saw their best player suffer a season-cancelling injury, and given that the Knicks have had more injuries to their starters than they did at this point last season, do the facts in any way vindicate Thibodeau’s approach?

— PolyphonicSpreewell

I say nay. For a few reasons.

Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton’s injuries don’t really fit the under-utilized profile. Tatum was seventh in regular-season minutes per game last year and fifth in the playoffs at 40+. If playing more meant greater protection from injury, Tatum would be a walking prophylactic. He’s not.

Haliburton’s injury requires an asterisk. There are any number of nights in any season —95-99% of nights — when neither Haliburton nor the Pacers would risk him trying to push through a calf injury knowing it could become an Achilles tear. Game 7 of the Finals is one of the few nights when the reward may seem worth the risk. More than any team, the Pacers are famous (infamous in New York) for playing their stars lighter minutes than most, a strategy that paid off handsomely the past two years against the Knicks. I can’t credit the cornerstone of that success for getting them to the finish line, then condemn it because they won silver instead of gold.

If Tom Thibodeau were still coaching the Knicks, they could/would be dealing with the same injury situation they are now. In that reality, I’ve already written multiple pieces about 2025’s heavy-workload “Thibs tax” reaching through time to exact its toll on the 2026 team. Brown’s new approach is specifically aimed at impacting the team’s play come springtime, so where they stand 20% of the way there means bupkis. If no starter had missed a game yet, that wouldn’t vindicate Brown; on the other hand, Brunson’s ankle injury was very much a this-is-the-business-we’ve-chosen thing, while OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson were never mistaken for ironmen, even before Brown’s arrival.

As there’s no way for me to know how my stomach will respond to the Thanksgiving feast until that day arrives, there’s no way to compare Brown’s methodology to Thibodeau’s when we’re still waiting on the bulk of the data. We won’t know till we get there. When we do, will the Knicks be seated truimphant upon the throne? Will their fans, sickened by some late-season shock, hunch metaphorically over the porcelain throne that is the offseason?

We’ll find out together. Merry week to you all.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...make-the-pistons-does-more-rest-more-injuries

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I wasn’t even looking at him’

Are the Knicks contenders or a bunch of pretenders? Is New York a legitimate threat to any of the Western Conference favorites?

Judging by Saturday’s outing, winning the chip is still a no-no thing.

Here’s what we’ve heard of late.

"Tough game…next man up next man up next man up

"We have to have guys ready to play…hard

"I think we can be really good defensive team

"We got a little deflated…Orlando pounced

"We're gonna be fine

"We're gonna go thru this

– Mike Brown as Knicks lose 133-121 in Orlando pic.twitter.com/L283blvBR8

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 23, 2025

Mike Brown​

On Franz Wagner’s skillset:

“He’s big first of all, he’s long, strong. He’s a three level scorer. He’s got a great pace and confidence about his game. He’s got great footwork. He likes to go right, but he can go left, cut left…he’s crafty enough and skilled enough where he can come back to it with all sorts of things, whether it’s the euro or the spin dribble.

“Offensively, he can score at all three levels, he’s a pretty good athlete. That footwork when he’s attacking — he can stop and spin, fade away, which makes him real tough to guard.”

On the Knicks’ struggles against Orlando:

“They were physical with us [in the first game]. They’re really good in that regard. They did a great job attacking the rim, whether it was in transition or in the front court.

“We didn’t do a great job guarding the basketball. Our shifts weren’t quite there. And then they rebounded pretty good, especially in that first half. So we have to do a better job in those area.

“And then offensively try to play the pick and roll two on two. We turned the ball over a few times early in the game. So we have to do a better job with our decision making when we get in the paint and trying to be the aggressors, try to get them on their heels because they definitely had us on our heels that night.”

On enduring another injury following Landry Shamet’s on Saturday:

“I’m gonna keep preaching: it’s about next-man up. In our case it’s next-man up, next-man up, next-man up or something like that. We have to have guys ready to play especially some guys that hadn’t played minutes. They don’t have to come in and do a lot. They just have to come in and play hard and continue trying to play the way that we play on both ends of the floor.”

On advancing the offense and starting to call plays:

“We have a couple in. We’re not quite there where we can call them on the fly all the time, but yes. We have a few of them in that we lean on, try to lean on.”

On players executing transition actions not yet taught:

“Seeing stuff like that tells me, ‘OK, they’re starting to get it.’ We could still be better, but we’re starting to get it a little bit. Therefore we can start implementing a couple of calls.

“We started trying to figure out how to balance the floor, which is the big thing. In our league, teams are so good with everything, if your spacing is not right, the first thing is to play with pace but your spacing has to be right. So we started to get the spacing right, even though the initial action to start the dominos wasn’t quite right.

“We spaced it right and we fell into that.”

On Rodney Rogers’ passing:

“It was amazing what [Rogers] did. We were a young team, and after he hit that third [3-pointer], we were celebrating like we won.

“I was with him in Denver back in the day, and he obviously was a really good basketball player but a good human being, too.”

welp pic.twitter.com/mT0oSFSkyO

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 23, 2025

Mikal Bridges​

On his fourth-quarter usage:

“I just think just where the balls find me. In the Miami game I’m coming in, I got the ball a couple times and drove. And they helped, I think we got two good looks. Missed them both.

“But I think it’s just the opportunity that comes. It’s usually what it is — the ball finds me. I think if you watch, if it doesn’t find me, it’s just in the offense and trying to figure it out. And sometimes it happens like that. The game does that.”

On defensive lapses in the Magic loss:

“[Defending] on ball, we got to be better. But also there was no secondary help, no second effort. That’s the biggest thing.

“There are going to be blow-bys. There’s going to be stuff that happens, miscommunications. But we weren’t connected. We weren’t on our toes and ready to make a play. I think we were on our heels a little bit and reacting late, which I think is unacceptable.”

On Shamet’s comments after leaving Saturday’s game:

“He said he was OK… As long as he’s OK, his mental is OK. Just praying for the best and hoping everything is okay. Definitely going to need him out there.

“Wouldn’t want that for anybody, to go down and get hurt in the game, especially Landry I’m close with and dealing with probably the same shoulder thing. Just praying for the best and hoping everything is okay, Definitely going to need him out there.”

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On Landry Shamet’s injury:

“It was tough, man. He’s been playing his ass off. He’s been such a big contributor to our team and these last couple weeks he’s been able to show the NBA and fans of New York why he’s so valuable. It sucks that that happened [when] he’s right now rolling and has good momentum in his game.”

"Hope he's good…physically…moreso mentally…Lan, someone who's been battling…it's tough…But now it's next man up; we gotta figure it out"

–– Josh Hart on Landry Shamet injuring shoulder again pic.twitter.com/qXxLzSnytt

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 23, 2025

Josh Hart​

On the Knicks’ poor defense against Orlando:

“That’s just a bad job on us. Obviously, there are guys who are out there that we could have played off of a little bit, and we didn’t do that.

“We let guys drive across the paint and do all that kind of stuff with no help, no resistance, so we’ve got to watch the film and get better.”

On grabbing Jalen Suggs by the neck during a loose ball:

“It was a loose ball. Obviously, we’re jockeying for the ball. I wasn’t even looking at him. I was looking at the basketball, and I didn’t realize I hit him in the neck until they slowed it down second by second. A play where bodies are flying and hands are flying. Unfortunately, I got him there. But it was nothing purposeful. That stuff’s happening like this. I don’t think I had enough time to process on a loose ball grabbing him by the neck.”

On losing Shamet to injury:

“First and foremost we hope he’s good. More so mentally… someone like Lan, someone who’d been battling and feel like it’s just a freak accident here and there. So it’s tough. Now it’s like they say, next man up, and we’ve got to figure out.”

Jalen Brunson​

On Shamet’s injury:

“[He’s a] guy who worked so hard to get back and has been playing great. It’s just tough, but knowing him he’s going to be back better than ever.”

Jalen Suggs on dapping up fans after forcing Josh Hart turnover & tech: "It was huge"

Hart: "It was a loose ball. I wasn't even looking at him" pic.twitter.com/slGNvd74MD

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 23, 2025

Jamahl Mosley​

On missing the second half due to illness:

“I’m better now. I was lightheaded, almost dizzy on the sideline; it kicked in. I probably shouldn’t have been yelling at [the referee] like that. That started it, but much better now. … It was scary.”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this happen in my entire life and it’s the most cathartic experience ever pic.twitter.com/RcKYnu7I7g

— ᴀʀᴅᴀ Öᴄᴀʟ (@Arda) November 22, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/75652/knicks-bulletin-i-wasnt-even-looking-at-him

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Definitely on my part. I could do a better job hitting shots’

Wake up, get up, rinse up, dress up, eat up, and by the time you’re done, there’s a great chance it’s already tip-off time.

New York and Orlando will face each other early today, so reserve your place at the couch and enjoy the game, cause it’s revenge time.

Here’s the lastest from your Knickerbockers.

Good morning. Your Knicks play 8 games next 2 weeks. Prediction? pic.twitter.com/dUNLGa2F65

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 21, 2025

Mike Brown​

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ progress in his system:

“I am, and he’s getting better with it. Sometimes he takes a couple steps backwards on [his process], but I thought against Dallas he was pretty good.”

On Towns’ shot selection: vs. Dallas

“He mixed it up quite a bit. Sometimes he caught it at the elbow. He caught it at the post a couple times. Caught it at the top of the floor a couple times.”

On Towns’ three-point attempts:

“The one thing I want him to consistently do — he’s got a beautiful stroke, but until he finds that, I want him to keep finding the [three-point] line a little bit more. He can stop [closer to the line] because of the pressure that we’re trying to put on the defense early in the clock.”

On staggering minutes between Towns and Brunson:

“I think they’re just playing and taking the best possible shot. Obviously when Jalen’s off the floor, it’d be great to have KAT on the floor. They’ve each gotta rest. So when we have KAT off the floor, vice versa, and so that’s what we try to do. And obviously they both start together and end the game together, but now during the substitution time, we like to have one of the two on the floor at all times.”

On the Knicks’ loss to Magic two weeks ago:

“The Magic were physical, they were the more physical team that night and I like the fact that our team took ownership of it and didn’t use excuses because there could have been a million excuses that night that we could have used. But we’re a no-excuse team. It doesn’t matter what our schedule is, it doesn’t matter about the officials. It doesn’t matter about any of that. We’ve gotta go play the right way when our number is called and we didn’t do a good job of it that game, and it started with how physical they were coming in and punching us in the mouth first.”

Bill Simmons “What's Knicks-Nets ratio in New York?

Zach Lowe “Meeting a Nets fan in NY only slightly more common than a Magic fan…

"Nets fans hate when you say how dead Barclays is

BS “Not for Liberty…It's Nets…thinking they could come in NY…

"NBA at its worst…disgrace" pic.twitter.com/8O54DDcvIP

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 22, 2025

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On the uniqueness of Mike Brown’s offensive system:

“It’s different. I haven’t seen it in my 11 years [in the league]. But I’m having fun with it. I’m just continuing to get better and impact the game, and impact winning and continue to help our team any way possible.”

On his shooting struggles and staying confident:

“I want to find different ways to impact this team winning, and just continue to figure everything out. We all are. So definitely on my part, I could do a better job hitting some shots. But I’ll get to that. Numbers will always number out. So I’m just staying confident.”

On adjustmenting his offense to Brown’s system:

“Like I say after almost every game, I want to find different ways to impact this team winning. And just continue to figure everything out. We all are. So definitely on my part I could do a better job hitting some shots. But I’ll get to that. Numbers will always number out. So I’m just staying confident. It’s great to get our first road win. That’s what it’s about. It’s about the wins. So it’s a good start to what we’re trying to accomplish.”

On the Magic rematch and the need for greater intensity:

“We got to match just their intensity in general. So they did a good job last game of finding a way to win and we got to match their intensity, especially tomorrow.

“We just got to match their intensity in general.”

"He does some really nice things. He throws the ball up ahead on the court…He follows directions…He's a good role player"

–– Knicks President Phil Jackson on why he picked Frank Ntilikina 8th in the 2017 Draft

5 days later Phil was gone pic.twitter.com/H4hg8uo0AY

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 21, 2025

Mikal Bridges​

On Towns’ play:

“[He’s] doing good. Just playing the right way, I think that’s the biggest thing. Just being aggressive and reading defenses and playing basketball.”

Knicks: DMX Where the Hood at

Mitchell Robinson: pic.twitter.com/mPt63FiwmP

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 20, 2025

Mitchell Robinson​

On maximizing his limited minutes:

“Just go out there and play hard. Like, do the little things, box out, offensive rebounding, everything else is going to work itself out.”

On adapting to his diminished role:

“I feel like I adjusted pretty well, getting out there playing hard for my little short minutes bursts, whatever. Just taking it all in. Just continue to play hard, and if they need me out there longer, shorter, whatever, I’m just there.”

On his long-term goals:

“Just healthy, ready to play, that’s the biggest goal. Continue to do everything right and just keep hooping. It was [mentally tough] at first, but after thinking about it a lot, obviously, I don’t want to miss no playoffs or later on in the future. Whatever’s best, just going to stick to it.”

"International Hoops Terms With Cleanthony Early" has to be the wildest sports category in Jeopardy! history. pic.twitter.com/ZysdXM070k

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 21, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...my-part-i-could-do-a-better-job-hitting-shots

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 113, Nets 100: Slow start, big finish at Barclays

When New York (10-6) and Brooklyn (3-14) squared off earlier this month, the Knicks roasted their little borough brothers by 36 in a wire-to-wire win. Tonight’s rematch, this time at Barclays, had a less auspicious start. The short-handed Knicks played from behind through most of the first two periods, but managed to take a 51-48 advantage into intermission. After the breather, New York built up a 17-point lead in the third, ratcheted up their defense, and coasted to a 113-100 win.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored his second-highest total of the season, finishing with 37 points, 12 boards, two blocks, and a steal in 33 minutes. Jalen Brunson recorded 27 points on 10-of-19 from the field, and Mikal Bridges posted 16 points and two more steals. The Knicks were down three rotational players, so Josh Hart was in the starting lineup and finished with 12 boards, seven points and assists, two steals and blocks, and a +17 plus/minus.

Off the bench, Jordan Clarkson contributed 12 points in 20 minutes, and Tyler Kolek had a nice showing—just two points, but five shiny dimes.

Brooklyn’s Noah Clowney came into tonight shooting 30% from three and averaging 11 points per game. Of course, he scored a career-high 31 points and made 7-of-13 from downtown. . . Players get up for Knicks games, man.

Michael Porter, Jr. also wore a Brooklyn jersey tonight.

First Half​

The Knicks opened the quarter with Towns scoring inside, which softened the blow of Brunson missing four of his first five shots.

Brooklyn quickly answered with contributions from Porter and Claxton. Mann and Clowney hit early threes, too, helping to undue New York’s early lead. Midway through the quarter, Brunson heated up with a pair of deep threes, and Josh Hart added one, but Brooklyn stayed ahead thanks to Porter and Clowney’s shooting, and Tyrese Martin’s providing energy off the bench.

With New York missing three rotation players (OG Anunoby, ankle; Landry Shamet, shoulder; Mitchell Robinson, illness), Mike Brown dusted off Ariel Hukporti and gave Guerschon Yabusele extended minutes. Don’t get excited, neither did anything of note. Also quiet: Miles McBride, starting at shooting guard and still recovering from an illness. This was tasty, though.

Damn, I didn't know Deuce McBride had that in his game

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) 2025-11-25T01:43:56.722Z

The Knicks shot efficiently (48% from the field, 43% from three) and held an edge in the paint, but the Nets controlled the glass and the quarter, 26-24.

To start Q2, New York missed opportunities to capitalize on Brooklyn’s misses. The Knicks shook off their lethargy, thanks to a nice Tyler Kolek drive, a Josh Hart midrange bucket, and a steady stream of inside scoring from KAT. The big fella piled up points at the rim and went 3-for-3 at the line to build up a 12-point lead. Brooklyn answered with Porter’s three, Egor Demin’s pull-up from deep, and a Claxton jumper. The Knicks escaped the half with a 51–48 lead.

the float show from the big man

17 PTS | 6 REB at the half pic.twitter.com/BPsChPwl8C

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 25, 2025

Through the first half, the Knicks shot 49% from the field and dominated the paint 28–8, while also winning the assist, block, and turnover stats. Brooklyn stayed close, despite making 7-of-26 from deep. They generated extra chances on the glass with eight offensive rebounds, and they took 17 free throws to New York’s six. This writer’s mood: unenthused.

Second Half​

Coming out of intermission, Brooklyn briefly went ahead by one, but New York was off and running. Our heroes ripped off a 12–2 stretch, then kept building behind solid bench minutes and a burst of perimeter offense from McBride, Yabusele, and Bridges. Brooklyn got scattered scores from Porter and Powell, but the Knicks consistently beat them to the cup, the glass, and the three-point arc. By quarter’s end, a Powell triple trimmed the Knicks’ lead to 89–75.

Enjoy this Kolek-KAT konnection:

ty dishin dimes and KAT is cookin

28 PTS | 10 REB | 3 AST | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/QeoAOXHcEs

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 25, 2025

Midway through the fourth quarter, KAT flew to the rim and came down painfully on his hip. He writhed around, but managed to power through, shooting a free throw and following that with another triple. Soon after, with the Knicks’ lead reaching 19, he retired to the locker room.

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS FROM 3 AGAIN pic.twitter.com/mNGSbjhyGY

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 25, 2025

New York’s defense tightened up in the second half, turning deflections and steals into points on the other end. Clowney kept scoring, but found little support among his teammates. At the two-and-a-half-minute mark, Brunson was able to sub out, and gah-bahge commenced.

Up Next​

New York travels to Charlotte to face the Hornets on Wednesday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...13-nets-100-slow-start-big-finish-at-barclays

 

[New York Knicks]

An NBA Cup update: What the Knicks need to make the knockout round

It’s late November, which means it’s time for everyone’s favorite sporting event.

No, it’s not the Thanksgiving Day Parade or Turkey Day football. It’s the NBA Cup, silly.

The final two days of group play are upon us, and the Knicks are once again in the mix to advance in the relatively meaningless in-season tournament. Now, while winning this tournament itself is extremely useless (ask the 2024 Bucks and 2023 Lakers), these are real games aside from the eventual championship game. It’s real salary bonuses for the players, something especially valuable for rookies.

As of Tuesday, the Knicks are 1-1 in group play with a win against the Miami Heat and a loss against the Chicago Bulls. They also hold a negative point differential. In most other years, the Knicks would need a Herculean effort over their final two games to even squeak into a wild-card spot due to point differential, but that’s not the case this time.

the @emirates NBA Cup standings ahead of THREE Group Play nights this week!

With one Knockout Rounds spot clinched (TOR) and seven still up for grabs, the chase for the NBA Cup continues TONIGHT on NBC, Peacock and NBA League Pass

LAL (2-0) can clinch West Group B vs.… pic.twitter.com/enlCmPmVG2

— NBA (@NBA) November 25, 2025

The Milwaukee Bucks currently pace the group with a 2-0 record, and the Heat sit at 2-1 with an impressive plus-46 point differential, giving them a massive advantage if they were to be a wild card. The Bulls (who’ve lost eight of 12 overall) are all but buried, as are the winless Hornets.

What happens in other groups only matters if the Knicks are competing for a wild card (which is unlikely), but let’s recap them anyway:

East Group A​

The Raptors are suddenly red hot and have already clinched a spot in the knockout round; meanwhile, the lowly Indiana Pacers are already eliminated. It’s also safe to say that the Wizards are done too, barring two of the biggest blowouts ever by a team whose fanbase is posting AJ Dybantsa edits.

Competing for the wild card are the Cavaliers and Hawks in a sneakily strong group. The Cavs have the early advantage with two wins and a big point differential advantage due to a blowout win over the Wizards. Their lone game remaining? Atlanta, where a win could punch their ticket, especially if they win by double digits.

The Hawks still have two games left, but they’ll have to beat the Cavs on Friday to get a wild card and will have to run up the score tonight against the Wizards to get in position, with the Heat’s point differential standing out.

East Group B​

This group’s been a weird one. The Nets were perceived as the only weak link, but have turned out to be in third place. The Sixers and Celtics are already essentially dead and buried, needing a near-impossible level of chaos to drag themselves back into any race. Considering neither team has had a bad start to the year, it’s odd.

Only two teams have a chance of advancing to the knockout round: the Pistons and Magic. Detroit has not lost a game in about a month, so if that continues? They’re in. They still get the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday and the likely group-decider against Orlando on Black Friday.

The Magic, who’ve already beaten our Knicks twice, have scored wins over Brooklyn and Boston already. They get the Sixers tonight in Philly, and if they win that, they’d be win-and-in on Friday. If the loser of this series goes 3-1, they’ll need a close loss on Friday and a blowout win tonight or tomorrow to move on.

The West​

West Group A is likely going to be won by the Thunder unless they lose for just the second time this season in their next two games. If they beat the Timberwolves and the Suns beat the Kings on Wednesday, it sets up a winner-take-all finale on Friday between the two teams. If Minnesota manages to beat the Thunder, though, they’ll be in a prime position for at least a wild card with their impressive point differential (plus-53).

West Group B doesn’t seem to have the point differentials to get two teams in, so the Lakers and Clippers are battling for first. They play tonight, whaddya know? The Grizzlies are also in it and play the Clippers on Friday, so if the Clippers beat the Lakers, there’s a chance that the drama-laden Grizzlies take the group.

West Group C is up in the air. Portland finishes up tonight against the Spurs, where a win clinches the group. If they lose? It’ll come down to the winner of the Spurs-Nuggets game on Friday.

East Group C​

Back to the Knicks, where do we sit?

While normal NBA Cup gymnastics require help and point differential tiebreakers, things are incredibly simple for the Knicks to advance to the knockout round: win-and-in.

Because their lone loss is to the all-but-eliminated Bulls, the Knicks just need to beat the Hornets and Bucks in their next two games to win the group. They’d win any tiebreaker with the Bucks and Heat at 3-1 due to their head-to-head record.

The Hornets are frisky despite their 5-12 record. They recently took the Hawks and Raptors to the brink, but have also suffered bad losses to the Clippers and Pacers. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are back and healthy, but both are being partially load-managed, so it remains to be seen if they’ll be full go on Wednesday. No OG Anunoby will be crucial if Miller plays.

The Bucks beat the Knicks in a non-cup game earlier this year, but how this game will go will likely be influenced by the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s out with a quad strain. If he’s back, he’ll be nearly impossible to stop with the Knicks’ injuries. If he sits? The Bucks suddenly look a lot weaker.

It’s simple enough, especially considering a loss would eliminate the Knicks from all chances to advance to the knockout round. Their substandard point differential would kill any chance of advancing as a wild card, especially considering the unlikelihood of there being no 3-1 non-group winners.

Win-and-in, that’s about it. It can be by 2, it can be by 40. Just need two dubs.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...hornets-bucks-heat-bulls-in-season-tournament

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I had to switch the routine I had pregame’

The Knicks beat the Nets for the 12th consecutive time on Monday.

At some point, we’ll need to stop calling this a rivalry, won’t we?

Here’s what the protagonist had to say before and after yesterday’s demolition.

"Good win for us on the road, and a lot of contributions up and down the lineup"

Mike Brown gives his opening thoughts on tonight's win over the Nets: pic.twitter.com/cUHz275TDU

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 25, 2025

Mike Brown​

On Hart’s defensive effort on Monday:

“That’s what leadership is about.”

On Towns’ performance against the Nets:

“He was really good. We tried to move him around quite a bit. Tried to have him at the elbow, at the post, in the pick-and-roll game. You could say his comfort level is starting to get there.”

On the increasing defensive physicality:

“One of the things we keep talking to our guys about is making sure we’re physical defensively and do it without fouling.”

On Josh Hart and Towns on the boards:

“Josh and KAT were monsters on the glass.12 boards each, and Josh earned the DPOG.”

On the team-wide effort during the Brooklyn game:

“While they’re going though this process, you can watch the last couple of games, they’re playing hard. You could see the marked improvement they’ve had since we’ve last played them.”

On the need for continued improvement on defense:

“We’ll keep working on it. We’ll keep addressing it. Again, we’re gonna be fine at the end of the day cause our guys want it. They have been better. We were better in Dallas. We were even better in Miami. There was a stretch where we were getting better. We’re gonna do this,” he said, gesturing upward, “and then we’re gonna do this,” gesturing downward, “and hopefully we don’t do this too long. But we want to keep trying to climb up, and I’ve seen us climb up in that area. We’re gonna keep pushing them to be great in that area, and they’re gonna keep responding by being great in that area.”

On losing key defenders and how to navigate it:

“They can guard different types of players and positions and we miss them. It’s no secret. But that’s what the NBA is about. It’s about trying to find a way every time you step on the court. It’s the next man up and everyone has to contribute, when it comes to missing whoever whether it’s offensively or defensively. They are both high level on ball defenders. Their impact we do miss … Both those guys are high level on ball defenders and they play with a level of physicality without fouling and versatility.”

On load management for Mitchell Robinson being impacted by his agent:

“[Knicks VP of Sports Medicine Casey Smith] is the one who dictates it along with Mitch and doctors and Mitch’s agent. So whatever they tell me, I’m just recycling what Casey says to Mitch, but I try to communicate with Mitch as much as possible.”

On the need for a greater defensive effort amid injuries:

“I’m confident we can be where we need to defensively. We played well in some instances and we haven’t played well. That’s what you go through especially during this part of the year. So I do think we can be a really good defensive team, but again, no matter who we throw out there, we’ve gotta have a feel and understanding of what we’re trying to do on that end of the floor to get things done.”

"If my life's taught me one thing, I'm thankful for the time I got with my family…this team…this City

"Thankful for the opportunity to put a Knicks jersey on

"To call my father & he answers

"To wake up every day

"And try again"

– KAT on Thanksgiving pic.twitter.com/woukXqbuE9

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 25, 2025

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On playing a complete game:

“Shooters shoot, of course. I know everybody wants me to shoot the 3-ball. But I’m a more complete player than that. And a lot of times, my career shooting the 3 allows me to get to the basket and opens the game up for myself and my teammates. And tonight was a good night where attacking the paint, getting some layups, tough layups, whatever the case may be, opened the basket up for me and made the 3-ball much easier.”

On navigating slumps:

“I’ve had slumps before. So experience teaches me a lot. So just keep shooting, keep trusting the work. It’s an opportunity for me to tell young guys. Obviously, the shot hasn’t been falling. But I continue to show up to work — first one there, last one to leave — and just continue to believe in the work. I know it’s disappointing to not see the results everyday to your standard, but never change the grind. … It feels good. And it raises the confidence.”

On his fall late in the game and how it felt compared to years past:

“When I was in my 20s, I felt pretty good.”

On missing OG Anunoby and others:

“OG is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He’s highly valuable to any team. Missing him is big. And Deuce not being available. And Landry getting hurt obviously hurts our team.”

Josh Hart​

On starting for the first time this season:

“I had to switch the routine I had pregame.”

On Towns’ performance on Monday:
“He was great; we needed him to be aggressive. That’s what we need from him.”

Josh Hart says it feels "a little bit" like old times being in the starting lineup tonight:

"I had to switch the routine I had pregame" pic.twitter.com/stk9rk4vGv

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 25, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On team defense and accountability amid the current injury crisis:

“[We just have to] continue to try to keep the ball out front. That’s the start of it. Obviously we have to help each other out when it comes to rotations, but it starts with just guarding the ball. I mean, I’ve got to do a better job of [guarding the ball], clearly. No matter what the situation is with the coverage, we’ve got to have each other’s backs and we were just a step late.”

"Jordi Fernández, he doesn't get enough credit. He's doing a heck of a job with that team while they're going through whatever process they're going through"

– Mike Brown pic.twitter.com/Bpfkb3DtAH

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 25, 2025

Jordi Fernández​

On playing the right way:

“We want to play a competitive and winning game of basketball. It starts with the habits. I know he saw the ball go in, which are things you can’t always control, but you can control taking the right shots, make the right play. He had a 9-to-3 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is very good. So all those things are positive.”

On the Nets’ effort fading on Monday:

“We started with the right intentions, and the energy was there. Then as the game went on, I thought that our energy and purpose started to fade. There’s no excuses here with playing three in four nights, doesn’t matter. You’ve still got to come out with a purpose and sustain it. And we did come out with a purpose and we didn’t sustain all the way through. So winning the first quarter and the last quarter, that’s not enough.”

On defending Towns:

“Yeah [Towns] is a very good player, and we have to find ways to fight him better. We tried, it just didn’t work out very well for us. He scored 37 points and 12; just not good enough. Credit to him. We definitely should have been better.”

"Me I never lost to the Knicks since I been in the league"

–– Nic Claxton now 0-12 vs Knicks since this pic.twitter.com/Oe39S44lvh

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 25, 2025

Noah Clowney​

On the Nets’ offensive approach:

“When we came out instead of trying to get the quick points in transition and playing in the flow of the game, we immediately slowed down and went into half-court sets instead of what we were doing to keep us in the game in the first place. That’s a common trend. We don’t really want to slow down with a team like that and just play half-court execution versus execution game. Get the free ones and get ourselves and advantage.”

DPOG Josh pic.twitter.com/6JYN17fC1s

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 25, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...tin-i-had-to-switch-the-routine-i-had-pregame

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks get optimistic update on Landry Shamet injury

When Landry Shamet grabbed his shoulder and ran to the locker room during last week’s contest against the Magic, Knicks fans were shaken. Shamet had been a godsend for a Knicks team that had had its share of ups and downs. His three-point shooting and defense had been pivotal in keeping the Knicks afloat during the OG Anunoby injury. And he, and his career-high 36-point masterpiece, was crucial in the Knicks’ win over the Heat.

As he rushed off the court, fans were saddened that they were not only losing a key player but also watching him suffer the same dislocated shoulder injury he had worked so hard to come back from just a year ago. But on Thursday afternoon, we were all provided with a somewhat optimistic update on the wing’s injury.

While he will still be out for the foreseeable future, the current diagnosis, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, is that it is a right shoulder sprain, and not a dislocation, which would have sidelined him for much longer. Shamet won’t be back on the court again in 2025, and there is still no real timetable for his full return, but Charania reported that the guard would be re-evaluated in four weeks. Considering fans had expected the worst, this has to be a sigh of relief for the fanbase, the organization, and most importantly, Shamet himself.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...get-optimistic-update-on-landry-shamet-injury

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I hate it, but we didn’t do anything to shut them up’

The Knicks beat the Hornets, what a shocker!

New York players got back home to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families as they gear up for Deer dessert on Friday.

Here’s what your Knickerbockers had to say before and after playing the Blue Bees on Thanksgiving Eve.

"I actually made decision before Brooklyn. I wanted to change it up…Stayed with it, will continue to & see…Everything's fluid this business…All these guys can start…I like to look at things…"

– Mike Brown on Knicks lineup change. Josh Hart starts, Mitch Robinson off bench pic.twitter.com/OsL7k2Co4O

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 27, 2025

Mike Brown​

On keeping Landry Shamet on the roster:
“That’s something that Leon [Rose] and his group will discuss. But Landry is a really big part of what we’re doing and I’ll give up my salary for him.”

On Shamet’s decision to avoid surgery:
“Anytime you can avoid surgery, at least from my novice experience, I think it’s great. But I don’t know much about it still. I know he has a right shoulder sprain and he’s going to go through the process, whatever that means.”

On his lineup experimentation and flexibility:
“We will continue to stay with it to see what direction it goes. I’m a guy who wants to take a look at different things. And I even said this to our staff. If at times it’s the right matchup, I’m not afraid to throw a rookie out there to start. It’s all about being early in the season and trying to find the right feel for the team. … Sometimes maybe switch things up. Take a look at what you have in front of you. And see if it’s the right move long term. Who knows? But it’s still early in the year.”

On allowing players exceptions to team rules:
“We explain to all our guys the types of shots that we want. But there are certain guys that you give a little leeway to, to kind of let them find their game. For instance, when it comes to rebounding, we have certain crash rules that apply to almost everybody but Josh [Hart]. There are certain defensive rules that apply to almost everybody but OG [Anunoby]. We have certain snap or quick decision rules that apply to everybody but KAT and Jalen [Brunson].”

On Towns’ improvement and team spacing:
“You can see his comfort level is starting to get there. But I will say that you know his teammates understand what one of our key staples is, which is spacing. If our spacing is right, especially after all the movement that we try to incorporate within what we do in [the] frontcourt, then he’s going to have room to drive. And if he has room to drive it’s going to be tough for his defender, because he can shoot the ball if you don’t close out close enough to him.”

"I've watched a lot of Kemba film…I've tried to shoot that shot 100 times"

– Knicks draft pick Deuce McBride at 2021 Summer League after news broke Kemba Walker was coming to the Knicks

4 years later the vet watches his rookie go 6-8 & 5-5 from deep on a game high +27 pic.twitter.com/8gtFVFNebc

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 27, 2025

Miles McBride​

On what changes with a faster lineup:
“I feel like when we have a faster lineup out there, we just get the pace going, we get stops. We have guys that want to guard, get stops and then get up the floor. And then we’re just good with sharing it. When KAT’s going, we’re looking for KAT. Obviously JB, he’s dominant. And then we all just feed off that.”

On his Thanksgiving eating strategy:
“You gotta pick and choose how you go about it. You gotta eat a lot earlier. I’m getting older. You’ve gotta play a lot more games. You gotta eat a lot earlier to offset it.”

On Thanksgiving food preferences:
“Mac and cheese, one. I’m a honey-baked ham guy. I’m really not a turkey guy. I’m gonna go mac and cheese, ham, yams, stuffing — oh, and the greens.”

On what Thanksgiving means to him:
“Just being thankful, getting family together. There’s no gifts involved. Just giving thanks and being together.”

On what Thanksgiving represents:
“Man, being out here, being able to just give God the glory. And being able to play this game at a high level.”

On whether or not he’ll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner:
“Nah. I’m on the end of it, you know? The end of it. Just the finished product.”

One word to describe this energy pic.twitter.com/2phV674txb

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 27, 2025

Josh Hart​

On his request for a shooting coach:
“It was, ‘What’s the plan for the staff?’ I want a shooting coach that could be here on staff that I can work with every single day.”

On Thanksgiving eating habits:
“I’m the type of person where I eat a decent amount, but I like a variety cause I like to taste everything, you know what I mean?”

On cutting back on wine for the holidays:
“[I’m gonna] limit the wine. Normally I would drink some good wine. So I’ll limit the wine to like one glass, and then maybe after the game I’ll indulge a little bit.”

On Thanksgiving favorites:
“Mac and cheese. Yams. Cornbread. Greens. Curry goat with some rice and peas.”

On his core values during the holidays:
“Family and faith. Throw friends in there. Friends, family and faith. The three F’s.”

On who’s cooking for Thanksgiving:
“Hell nah. I don’t cook a damn thing. We wanna eat. And we wanna eat good. We don’t need me cooking.”

First guy on his feet for Josh's first shot:

The guy he just replaced as a starter pic.twitter.com/SCAYjA1UEf

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 27, 2025

Jordan Clarkson​

On his Thanksgiving must-haves:
“For me, it’s chitterlings. That’s gotta be on the plate. My uncle used to throw it down. Then mac and cheese, and then a good dessert.”

On what Thanksgiving means to him:
“I’m thankful to be a New York Knick. Straight up.”

Jalen Brunson on Knicks defense getting stops, the offense getting to the paint, and the impact of Allen Iverson on his career.@BillPidto | @nyknicks | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/7OYrGQS3cb

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) November 27, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On growing up watching and learning from Allen Iverson:

“A lot of (impact). I used to cut my mom’s socks to make shooting sleeves because of Allen Iverson.”

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On playing off Jalen Brunson:
“Jalen was doing an amazing job of attracting attention and it gave me a chance, you know, just be really aggressive. Just got opportunities. Of course, I know everyone wants me to shoot the three ball, [but] I’m a more complete player. A lot of times …, shooting the three allows me to get to the basket and open the game up, not only for myself but teammates.”

Knicks’ Guerschon Yabusele focused on fixing game — not talk about his weight https://t.co/T7XyeE9Drz pic.twitter.com/iEUarh8zmC

— New York Post (@nypost) November 27, 2025

Guerschon Yabusele​

On fan scrutiny about his weight:
“About this, because I heard it, and I could if I wanted to talk about it, but I just decided not to. People say whatever they want to say. If you guys check with my weight from last year, it’s the same. So last year it wasn’t a problem, why is it a problem this year? And I’m actually less than last year.”

On ignoring the weight discussion:
“I’m not focusing on none of that. I’m just doing my thing. I feel good and in great shape. So it is what it is.”

On adjusting to reduced playing time:
“Of course it is [hard]. I can’t lie about it. Today is a different situation. Of course I was playing more minutes last year, too. I’m just trying to fit in my new role and be the best I can.”

On his shooting slump:
“Shots are always up and down, especially in the season. If you look back at last season, some games I was making more than other games. Sometimes it’s not going in and sometimes it goes in. So I’m going to keep working every day, coming to the gym and make sure to get those shots. And when I get in the game, try to be prepared.”

On his conditioning:
“I feel good out there on the court. I feel like I’m in great shape right now. So just try to stay the same and work on my body and be as prepared as I can when I’m on the court.”

Q: "What is it like to hear the crowd cheering for the opposing team in your home arena?"

Miles Bridges: "I hate it. I hate it a lot. It happens when the Knicks come. It happens when the Lakers come. I hate it.

"But we didn't do anything to shut em up" pic.twitter.com/hmqSHPqXmp

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 27, 2025

Miles Bridges​

On Knicks fans filling opposing arenas on a steady basis:
“I hate. I hate it. It happens when the Knicks come, the Lakers come. I hate it, but we didn’t do anything to shut them up.”

Jameis Winston was asked what his favorite Thanksgiving dish is:

"My wife, man, she makes some kale collard greens. Her family’s from New Orleans so she makes a nice Creole dressing. It’s unbelievable. One of her cousins, her auntie, she always ships us some gumbo for us to… pic.twitter.com/oUAOwImJ5R

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 26, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...e-it-but-we-didnt-do-anything-to-shut-them-up

 

[New York Knicks]

Pablo Torre Addresses Jalen Brunson’s Knicks Deal Amid Kawhi Leonard Links

Pablo Torre isn’t ready to sound the alarm on the New York Knicks’ business with Jalen Brunson.

Torre, whose reporting led to the infamous NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, appeared on “The Joe Budden Podcast” this week to address the speculation about Brunson and his deal with New York.

The investigative journalist acknowledged that while there are questions surrounding how Brunson landed in New York with the Knicks, he doesn’t believe it mirrors the serious violations he uncovered with the Clippers.

Joe Budden podcast asking Pablo Torre what the difference is between the Jalen Brunson/New York Knicks deal and the Kawhi Leonard/Clippers/Steve Ballmer situation via Joe budden patreon. pic.twitter.com/KtvA6LBkOU

— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) November 24, 2025

“What I suspect happened with Jalen Brunson is fundamentally different from what’s happened with Aspiration,” Torre said, referencing the Clippers’ alleged use of a $28 million no-show endorsement deal tied to Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard’s relative Uncle Dennis. “I don’t have proof it happened. All I have is the theory I laid out.”

Torre pointed out that Knicks president Leon Rose, a former player agent at CAA, has long-standing ties to Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson. No need to mention, Rick joined the Knicks coaching staff just before Jalen signed an at-the-time-considerd-over-market four-year, $104 million deal in 2022, and stayed within the staff after Tom Thibodeau’s firing last summer.

“When he signed that deal, I was like, he’s a Honda Civic. Stable, reliable, trustworthy but not a superstar, not a luxury vehicle,” Torre said. “Purely theoretically, (the Knicks) could pay him a lot of different ways through emplooyees—namely his dad, who is already on the payroll—it wouldn’t be complicated. But I don’t know what they’re paying Rick Brunson.”

A few years after Brunson arrived as a free agent from the Dallas Mavericks, an with the guard already established as a bonafide NBA superstar, the Knicks inked the point guard to a discount deal valued at $156 million over four years with a relatively low average cap hit of $39 million per season. For context, Brunson’s 2025-26 salary of $34.9 million ranks just 46th league-wide.

“My suspicion is, (the Brunson-Knicks situation) is not Aspiration,” Torre said. “I have a hard time thinking that exists anywhere else.”

While noting that coaching and front-office salaries aren’t capped or made public, hinting at that as a possible way for under-the-table payments reaching players’ pockets, Torre made it clear he hasn’t found anything concrete.

“If someone gave me a tip and said, ‘Look into this thing with Jalen Brunson,’ and I started and I found something, I’d follow it to the logical conclusion,” Torre said.

Earlier this year, Torre had teased the possibility of deeper reporting on Brunson’s deal.

“It’s funny, my tip line has never been more used by enemies of Jalen Brunson,” Torre said appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show” last September.

After Brunson left over $100 million on the table by signing an early extension rather than waiting for a $270 million max contract, some people began speculating whether additional incentives were involved.

“Well, look, how he arrived at the Knicks—this is where I have to defer to the reporting I may or may not do on this, certainly was interesting, right?” Torre said. “Like, OK, that’s a pretty good deal for the Knicks. Anyway, I don’t want to get ahead of myself in terms of that.”

Torre admitted that New Yorkers are keeping him straight when they cross paths with the journalist on the streets of Manhattan.

“Suddenly people on the street are like, ‘You touched Jalen Brunson, I’m gonna—'” Torre said. “Lay off Jalen Brunson. Stay away from him, he’s our beautiful, large-adult son.”

As for now, Torre has no accusations to make against the Knicks.

“I’ve been shocked at how often I start digging and there is something. Either I’m good at this, or the world is very dirty.”

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...brunsons-knicks-deal-amid-kawhi-leonard-links

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 129, Hornets 101: Wrapping up the road-trip with a party in Charlotte

Tonight at the Spectrum Center, the New York Knicks (11-6) routed the Charlotte Hornets (4-14) behind swarming defense, relentless rim pressure, and sizzling shooting. Josh Hart and Miles McBride impressed, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns controlled the halfcourt, and Mitchell Robinson (playing with the second unit) dominated the paint. Charlotte bricked threes, coughed up turnovers, and showed few signs of life while the differential stretched to 28. Final score: Knicks 129, Hornets 101.

This NBA Cup game concludes a 3-2 road trip for the Knicks. They shot a season-low 26 threes, but they made 50% of them. Josh Hart takes the game ball, with a near triple-double (a season-high 22 points, eight boards, seven assists, +20). Jalen Brunson (33 points, 14-of-28 FG) heard chants of MVP at the foul line. Mikal Bridges added an efficient 18 points, plus three more steals and two blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds. Miles McBride was a major contributor with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting (hitting all five of his three-point attempts) and a game-best +27. Off the bench, Mitchell Robinson was a +18, Jordan Clarkson supplied eight points in 14 minutes, and rookie Tyler Kolek delivered another solid performance, recording a +15 in his 15 minutes.

We were interested in seeing Charlotte’s sharp-shooting rookie Kon Kneuppel, but he missed all seven of his three-point attempts. His teammate’s were equally unimpressive. All five starters finished with double-digit plus-minus negatives, and the team shot just 41% from the field and 30% from three. Brandon Miller (18) and Miles Bridges (17) led their scorers.

First Half​

The Knicks opened flat, giving up a pair of early threes and an alley-oop as Charlotte punched first and controlled the glass. After a bit of floundering, Hart and McBride jolted the team awake: Hart jumped a passing lane for a pick-six, Duece drilled back-to-back jumpers, and a string of stops flipped an 8–2 deficit into a lead.

Charlotte hung around behind Tre Mann and Collin Sexton, but the Knicks’ starters doubled down. Towns scored inside, Brunson scored from his spots, and Mitchell Robinson (from the bench) vacuumed up in the paint. By the final minute, the offense was humming, and New York closed the period on a 7–2 run. A defensive stand set up Bridges’ buzzer layup, giving the Knicks a 37–31 advantage.

JOSH HART pic.twitter.com/jONXzZp86m

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2025

To start the second frame, Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson subbed for Brunson and Bridges, and the Knicks quickly stretched the lead to 14 against a haphazard Hornets team. Midway through the quarter, Coach Mike Brown tried a Kolek-Brunson backcourt. The pairing might be too small against stronger opposition, but tonight it let Jalen work off-ball and gave Kolek a chance to show off his ballhandling skills. Plays like this (and don’t miss Mikal’s ridiculous effort) are like manna from the basketball gods.

Mikal's hustle pic.twitter.com/XyOqh8fBZJ

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2025

Charlotte played with more energy, but their offense never stabilized. They shot just 44% from the field and 27% from deep, produced zero fast-break points, and couldn’t match New York’s rim pressure. They squeezed out 11 points off turnovers and swatted down three shots, but the Knicks’ overall efficiency and physicality troubled them at every turn.

New York delivered a near-perfect first half, with all five starters in double figures and posting double-digit plus/minuses. Our heroes shot a blistering 64% from the field, nearly 60% from three, and a perfect 10-for-10 at the line. Josh Hart topped the scoresheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, and, in an excellent showing, McBride was a major swing piece with 10 points on perfect shooting and a team-best +23.

The Knicks crushed Charlotte on the glass 24–12, piled up 16 assists to just five turnovers, and overwhelmed the Hornets in the paint 38–24. Even the short-rotation bench contributed solid minutes, especially Robinson anchoring the interior. Charlotte, meanwhile, shot 44%, bricked threes, generated no transition offense, and got little from their starters, all of whom posted negative plus/minuses.

Watch Kolek
pic.twitter.com/se3MistlsV

— Teg (@IQfor3) November 27, 2025

Second Half​

The party continued in the third quarter, with New York pushing their lead to 25, thanks to steady buckets from Jalen Brunson, who carved up the defense with floaters, pull-ups, and a step-back from deep. New York forced turnovers from Knueppel and Mann, dominated the glass, and received more timely shooting from McBride and Bridges. Charlotte tried to stay afloat with free throws and the occasional alley-oop, but their halfcourt offense repeatedly stalled against the faintest pressure.

Down the stretch, Hart grabbed extra possessions, Kolek continued to swing the ball cleanly, and the Bridges–KAT connections kept Charlotte scrambling. McBride’s deep three and Bridges’ rim attack helped seal a lopsided frame, while repeated Hornets misses counteracted any hope for momentum. Despite a turnover at the horn, the Knicks ended the quarter in command, up 98–75 heading into the fourth.

JB is hoopin pic.twitter.com/4L5jsBeZOL

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2025

Both teams rotated in fresh lineups to start the final frame. Charlotte tried to get something going behind Miller and Ball, but New York countered with solid defense—especially Robinson, a man among children forced turnovers and stifled a Miller floater. Scoring-wise, New York didn’t let up. Clarkson provided a floater, a steal, and a midrange finish, while KAT scored off a Kolek feed to keep the Knicks ahead. The Hornets chipped a bit at the margin, but also piled up bad passes, offensive fouls, and missed shots.

The Knicks lead reached 28 and, with three minutes left, this game was over long before the final bell.

on time on pic.twitter.com/mgVcs9ZTlB

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2025

Up Next​

The Knicks return home to host the Bucks on Friday. Happy Thanksgiving, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ng-up-the-road-trip-with-a-party-in-charlotte

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks vs. Bucks, Nov. 28, 2025

The Knicks (11-6) return to MSG after a five-game road trip for a decisive NBA Cup matchup with the struggling Bucks (8-11). New York can clinch Group C with a win, while Milwaukee arrives on a six-game skid and leaning almost entirely on its three-point shooting. The Knicks will again be without OG Anunoby, and their perimeter defenders will have their hands full trying to contain a Bucks team that hits triples at a 41% clip. If Giannis suits up, he changes the equation, but even so, we like the Knicks.

Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on (hiss) Amazon Prime. 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!

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-game-threads/75847/game-thread-knicks-vs-bucks-nov-28-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I knew I was going to get beat up there’

The Knicks are in.

New York hosted the Bucks on Friday, beat them nicely, punched their tickets for the quarters of the tourney.

Here’s what a few of yesterday’s protagonists had to say before and after the final group-stage NBA Cup game.

KNICKS SCHEDULE UPDATE:

Knicks play their NBA Cup quarterfinals game at Toronto on Tuesday December 9 at 830pm

If they win it's off to Vegas for Semis vs Magic or Heat on Saturday December 13

Finals Tuesday December 16

All games on Amazon exclusive pic.twitter.com/KEN3lzmPC3

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2025

Mike Brown​

On the pressure of playing a must-win NBA Cup game:

“One of the things I told the guys, pressure is a privilege in life. Everybody is human, so if you’re feeling some sort of pressure, that means you’re doing something that is pretty important — not just to you but to a lot of other people. So you embrace it. In order to win and win at the highest level and experience that as much as you can, you try to go get the Cup and get Cup games and put that pressure on yourself, so hopefully it can simulate what the playoffs are going to be to a certain degree. Mentioning it to our guys, talking about it with our guys, that’s probably about the biggest difference than another game.”

On the Bucks before tipoff:

“They’re starting to find their way a little bit. Record-wise they may not be sitting where they want to at all, but their last game out against Miami, they played hard. They could have easily won that game. So they’re young guys are starting to really step up and understand how they can have some success in the league. A guy like Rollins caught you off guard initially. And not anymore. He busted out behind up in Milwaukee and he’s gotten a couple other teams too. He’s got their number too. All their guys play extremely hard and they’re very talented and they come to play.”

On Jalen Brunson’s MVP case:

“He should be talked about right now, and it’s early, but as you know, [as a] potential MVP. There’s not enough chatter, which it’s early, so I’m not throwing a fit, but the guy had 37 tonight on 12-of-21, and he gets blitzed often, and he makes the right basketball play. So he basically did what he’s supposed to do, and that’s why I don’t talk about a lot, because that’s what he’s capable of doing, and that’s what he’s supposed to do, being of that stature. Hopefully, you guys and your peers will start really talking the right way about this young man in terms of him, having some MVP talk, because that’s what he is.”

On Brunson as the Knicks’ engine:

“We’re not playing the best basketball right now but we’re trending in the right direction and he’s the engine behind it. So to me, he just did what he’s supposed to do, which equates to him being the MVP of the league.”

On Mitchell Robinson’s off-the-pine impact:

“I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far. Mitch has given us a great punch off the bench, and his ability to offensive rebound against starters or backups is huge for us, so he has to keep bringing that to the table.”

On Tyler Kolek’s performance:

“I didn’t play him as much as I wanted to tonight but the last two games when he’s gotten minutes, he’s been really good defensively. He’s been really physical without fouling. He’s been really good pushing the basketball and distributing the basketball while getting us into our offense. I expect nothing but that from him and again I wished I’d played him a little longer because again, (he’s) on a pretty good run.”

On Josh Hart’s starting role and the energy he brings to the team:

“Josh, he’s a baller. It doesn’t matter what you throw in front of him, he just goes and balls out. That’s what you love about him. He just gets it done in any role that you give him. He’s shown he can help you coming off the bench, he’s definitely shown he can help you as a starter. He’s playing high-level basketball.”

"When there's a chance to win something go & win it"

–– Jalen Brunson on NBA Cup as Knicks advance pic.twitter.com/f9Q8FWgSMI

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On the NBA Cup tournament:

“There’s a little added juice to it knowing what’s at stake. Win and move on and try and win something. We have a lot of guys and coaches who don’t make as much as some of the guys on this team and it’s an added bonus for them as well. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for this entire team.”

On the MVP chatter:

“I’ve thought more about winning vs. winning the MVP. It’s not something I’m thinking about. Honestly, when you win, everyone eats, so just focused on winning as a team.”

On Josh Hart’s value:

“He played well on both sides of the ball, and he’s in a good rhythm right now…. We just need him to stick with that. He’s the x-factor of what we do.”

On beating Milwaukee:

“I’m just happy we won. No matter what the situation is, who’s out there, who we have on the court, it doesn’t mean anything to me. I’m just happy we were able to win against a team obviously is really good and put us on the brink.”

Josh Hart’s 15 rebounds is not his Black Friday high

That came three years ago at the Garden when he had 19 rebounds

For the other team

10 weeks later he was a Knick pic.twitter.com/MNRp5grnPj

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2025

Josh Hart​

On defending Giannis without OG Anunoby:

“I knew I was going to get beat up there. For me, obviously we don’t have OG who is an extremely physical defender and we always put him those matchups, so with him out I knew I kind of had to step it up a little bit. We talked about being more physical on the ball — that’s something I’ve been trying to do the past few games and I’ve got to continue to do that and try to set the tone, at least while I’m starting and in those types of positions.”

On starting games again:

“I had to switch the routine that I had pregame so far [this season]. I’m just trying to find my little pregame routine. But obviously getting out there to start is fun.”

On playmaking when Brunson is double-teamed:

“I love it. That’s a position I’m extremely comfortable in. Normally, we get good looks when that happens.”

More Kuzma on Brunson: "He's got the green light. I mean, anybody that has the green light is gonna be a tough guard in this league. When you have that many live reps game after game, you're just ultraconfident. I think that's the best part about him" pic.twitter.com/PxZdIquncO

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2025

Doc Rivers​

On Giannis’s minutes restriction:

“With Giannis back, obviously he was on a minutes restriction tonight, which is really difficult in a game like this. We lost the leads when we took him off the floor.”

On losing the numbers game:

“The bottom line is they had 13 more shots than us, they had eight more free throws. We’re outshooting teams (in accuracy). Shooting 52 percent, but it’s the turnovers, it’s the offensive rebounds, it’s the fouls. It’s a numbers game, and we have to win that game. Especially with Giannis, if we win that game, we’re going to win the game.”

Giannis on Bucks 7-game skid: "…If you're so concerned about scoring…& it doesn't work now you feel like you cannot do nothing…Not a 1-man show, we have to do it together…We gotta get our competitive spirit back…Nobody should have personal agenda…Worry only about winning…" pic.twitter.com/vuYAA0FZqh

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo​

On returning from injury:

“Obviously, you want to win games, you want to win tournaments. We had the opportunity to go to Vegas twice in a row. Not going to Vegas and not being able to gamble on ‘34-Red’ one more time, I think it’s going to be very tough for me. At the end of the day, I want to win. We’ve lost seven in a row, and I don’t remember the last time I lost seven in a row. We gotta lock in … and be able to get that win tomorrow [in Brooklyn]. But I felt good. … For the first game back, I felt powerful. I hoped that I could help the team win the game, but we have another one tomorrow and we have to get back on track.”

On the team’s recent losing skid:

“Does it matter what I’ve seen (when I was sidelined with the injury)? It doesn’t matter — it happened. We’ve lost the games. We’ve lost, what, six in a row? Seven in a row?”

On doing the little things:

“You gotta come in, do your job, do what you’re paid to do, defend, rebound the ball, do the little things. And sometimes when you worry about doing the little things, all the other things add up. If you’re so concerned with scoring the ball and getting yourself going offensively, and that doesn’t work for you, now you feel like you cannot do nothing. You cannot worry about one shot or two shots that you miss, which took four seconds out of the game to dictate 47 minutes, 56 seconds of the game.”

On the team’s mentality:

“We’ve gotta get into the mindset that we’ve gotta compete. We gotta get to the mindset that this is not a one-man show, that we have to do together. We’ve gotta move the ball. We’ve gotta find open threes; we’ve gotta run, we gotta create spacing. Overall, we gotta get our competitive spirit back to where it’s supposed to be. Nobody should have a personal agenda, nobody should worry about what they want from themselves, worry only about winning mentality. Winning mindset. The more we can win games, the more everything can take care of itself.”

Cade Cunningham’s G.T. Cuts tonight: pic.twitter.com/ujhb5UcfYI

— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) November 28, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...letin-i-knew-i-was-going-to-get-beat-up-there

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 118, Bucks 109: Winning with a lot of Hart

When Milwaukee (8-12) beat New York (12-6) in October, the Knicks attempted 40 three-pointers, and the Bucks made 14-of-34 from deep. The Wisconsinites shot well back then; they shot even better in the first half tonight, and making 58% from the field and 12-of-22 from deep kept them in control for most of two quarters tonight. The Knicks clawed back behind free throws and paint scoring that briefly gave them a lead before halftime. The Knicks surged ahead in the third and early fourth behind hustle plays, improved shooting, and a cooling of Milwaukee’s attack. New York’s defense fought off a late rally attempt and sealed the gritty win, 118-109.

With the win, New York clinched Group C of the NBA Cup tournament. On to the quarterfinals!

The home team won because Josh Hart (19 points, 15 boards, seven assists, three steals) and Jalen Brunson (37 points, 12-of-21 shooting) completely took over the game. Miles McBride’s five threes were clutch (19 points tonight), and Bridges’ two-way stability (14 points, two steals) helped to lock down the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns managed just nine points, but added 10 boards and four assists in his 36 minutes. Off the bench, Jordan Clarkson made just 2-of-13 but managed to be +9 in his 22 minutes; Tyler Kolek provided steady ball-handing once again; and Mitchell Robinson grabbed seven boards and two steals in 19 minutes.

Before the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was questionable with a groin strain, but we knew he wouldn’t miss a chance to play at Madison Square Garden. He had an efficient scoring night (28 points, 9-of-13 FG) and 15 boards in limited minutes.

Stan Van Gundy called it Kyle Kuzma’s best game of the year, and he was probably right. Kooz scored 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting (including 4-of-5 from deep), but those nice stats are marred by a -11. A.J. Green dropped a season-high six three-pointers, and Ryan Rollins cooled off after a strong first half, finishing with 13 points in 41 minutes.

First Half​

Don’t be fooled by the record. The Bucks are a dangerous team from behind the arc, with five rotation players averaging 39% or better from deep, so their first-quarter fusillade (8-of-11 to start) and subsequent ten-point lead were no surprise. Milly’s A.J. Green hit 4-of-5 from long (a first-quarter career high), and even though the Knicks fought back to take a one-point advantage, the Bucks outscored them 14-3 over a late three-minute stretch to regain control.

12 points. 4/4 from downtown.

AJ Green is FEELING IT in the 1Q!

NYK clinches East Group C with a win@emirates NBA Cup on Prime pic.twitter.com/rpg15mrl2P

— NBA (@NBA) November 29, 2025

Due to a minutes restriction because of an adductor strain, Giannis played seven minutes of the first frame. Thank the basketball gods for small favors, since the Knicks could do nothing to slow him down.

By the quarter’s conclusion, the visitors had shot 65% from the field and taken 13 three-point attempts to New York’s six tries. It’s not just OG Anunoby’s defense we’re missing—although we really missed his D tonight—it’s those corner threes of his, too. While Milwaukee moved the ball at will to the tune of 11 dimes, the Knicks survived by making all their 14 free-throw attempts. All told, the Knicks were lucky to escape the first frame down just 37-33, thanks to two freebies hit by McBride with 2 seconds left.

Sticking to his recent formula, accounting for the absence of Landry (shoulder) Shamet, Coach Mike Brown subbed in Tyler Kolek to start period two. Plays like this will keep Kolek in the mix:

sheeeeesh tyler pic.twitter.com/T5ztWwD4vV

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 29, 2025

Across the quarters, the Knicks went on a 13-5 run that cut the differential to two points. Brunson scored seven of those. Soon after, though, the Bucks scored eight unanswered, with three-pointers from the two Garys—Trent, Jr. and Harris. It was time for the Knicks bench to provide some spark, and it came from Mitchell Robinson (two mighty dunks) and Jordan Clarkson (a floater, a few free throws). With a Hart corraling loose balls, Brunson canning a 26-footer, and Bridges scoring five straight, the Knicks were back in the mix, taking a brief lead before Kuzma closed the half with a triple. Halftime score: Bucks 62, Knicks 61.

this is what we like to see ‍ pic.twitter.com/oy4BFKOSKg

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 29, 2025

Through the half, the visitors had hit 58% from the field and 12-of-22 from downtown. They dished 16 dimes and scored 13 points off the Knicks’ turnovers. For the Knicks, making 18-of-22 from the charity stripe, distributing 14 assists, and tough stuff in the paint (26 points there, six offensive boards), kept them competitive. Shooting 44% and making 5-of-13 from yard wasn’t going to cut the mustard, though, with Milwaukee scoring so easily.

Second Half​

The Knicks charged into the third quarter, capitalizing on offensive rebounds, Hart’s hustle, and timely threes from Brunson, McBride, and Towns to flip their deficit into a lead. The visitors answered with Giannis getting to the line, A.J. Green drilling another deep ball, and Rollins hitting a three, but New York’s activity on the glass and some nice touches from Bridges pushed them ahead 74–72 at the Bucks’ timeout with 7:41 left.

Around the midway mark, Giannis tried a nine-foot jumper with Mitchell Robinson in his face. No luck. If the Knicks could keep switching Mitch onto him, they seemed to have found an answer to their Giannis problem. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s shooting had cooled ever so slightly, which opened enough of a window for the Knicks to mount a six-point lead.

The Captain was cooking:

Brunson banks it in pic.twitter.com/PLl9vxylKJ

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 29, 2025

Having less luck at the grill: Towns, struggling to score seven points so far on 2-of-6 shooting. You can depend on the big fella for rebounds (eight through three quarters), but it was a very quiet night offensively thus far.
With under two minutes remaining, New York could have padded their lead, but sloppy play (looking at you, Clarkson) and a shot-clock violation allowed the Bucks to grab a lead. Bailing them out, Brunson and Bridges hit back-to-back from the outfield to take a 92-88 lead into the final frame.

To start the last quarter, New York drew first blood with three three-pointers—two by Deuce and one from Kolek. The Garden went into a frenzy, watching their home build a 13-point lead. Giannis returned to the battlefield.

New York missed seven shots and committed three turnovers through the heart of the quarter, but their rivals missed three and also coughed up the rock thrice, so no great consequences. When Kuzma hit from deep with just over six minutes left, a 104-100 Knicks lead was too close for comfort.

Giannis finds Kyle Kuzma to cut the lead to four

: SN1
: Stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/Yv96T2jcBa

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 29, 2025

After that, KAT whiffed from beyond the arc, and Antetokounmpo dunked to make it a two-point game. New York missed seven shots and had made 4-of-16 by the four-minute mark. Giannis and Kuzma doubled up on Brunson, but the Knicks failed to make hay with a four-on-three advantage.

The Knicks took a four-point lead into the final two minutes, and they slammed the door with defense and just enough shot-making. After Giannis fumbled a possession that Hart stole, Brunson delivered another dagger, a driving floater plus the and-one to push the lead to seven. Milwaukee fired blanks from deep while Hart grabbed even more rebounds, and he calmly knocked down two free throws to make it a nine-point game. No looking back after that!

Hart was everywhere tonight. Give him the game ball.

WE SEE YOU, JOSH pic.twitter.com/HfV7XjVweT

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 29, 2025

Up Next​

Old friends RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley return to the Garden on Sunday. Rest up, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...icks-118-bucks-109-winning-with-a-lot-of-hart