News Knicks Team Notes

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘He’s a connector. He’s a glue guy’

New York will keep waiting to welcome back their team as the Knicks have three more road games coming up next.

Will they return from the West Coast rodeo with a positive balance? For now, it’s 0-1 entering the Blazers matchup.

Here’s some said of late.

Knicks upgrade Josh Hart to QUESTIONABLE Sunday in Portland

Hart has missed 8 games since spraining right ankle Christmas pic.twitter.com/EOlOsyjlEY

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 10, 2026

Mike Brown​

On Josh Hart’s on-court value:

“He’s a connector. He’s a glue guy. There’s a lot of things that we can do with him on the floor, on both ends of the floor, that he brings to the team.”

On the declining paint touches without Hart in the lineup:

“Our overall paint touches are down and our overall sprays are down. Some of it is we’re not moving the ball like we were, but Josh, again, he’s another ball handler that gets downhill very well. He makes quick decisions, gets downhill, and if you cat-and-mouse, he’s definitely going to finish. If you come to him, he’s a great spray guy. To be missing that, makes it tough when it impacts all of us.”

On diagnosing the team’s struggles without pinning it on one cause:

“You factor in—could it be opponents? Could it be the time of the year? I’m not sure.”

On handling physical opponents:

“Yeah, we told our guys, hey, look, they’re going to be up in you. They’re going to try to be physical with you. That’s the way they play. They’ve done a good job with it. We fell into the way that they played and even got frustrated, picking up a couple of offensive fouls. We have to do a better job with it instead of letting them dictate what’s going on on the floor.”

On the value of limited practice time:

“It helped a lot. When we got together, it wasn’t really practice practice, at least practice how I like it. But any time you can get your group together and review whatever your principles are, whatever your offensive stuff is, whatever your defensive stuff is, and then watching tape on the previous opponent to see where you can get a little better and also where you’re doing things fine. Any time you can do that, it’s good. And it was good for us to do for sure.”

Full Knicks injury report Sunday in Portland:

Josh Hart upgraded QUESTIONABLE (sprained right ankle)

Guerschon Yabusele also upgraded QUESTIONABLE (right quad contusion)

Landry Shamet OUT 24th straight game (right shoulder sprain)

Trey Jemison OUT (GLeague-2way) pic.twitter.com/LJUT1qkMmI

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 10, 2026

Jalen Brunson​

On physicality:

“They play physical basketball, but so do we. And we need to.”

On secondary playmaking without Josh Hart:

“We need Hart back but I do believe we have secondary playmakers after myself. We have them on our team. And you may think differently but that’s how I feel.”

On the team’s struggles and accountability:

“I’m going to keep it real. We look godawful. And how do I say this? The worst part about it, it’s all correctable stuff. And I think that’s what makes it most frustrating is like we have the ability to correct it. It should have been corrected a long time ago. Obviously, our communication on both sides of the ball. One, physicality on both sides of the ball. I think it’s more mental than anything. Like we have the pieces and we’ve shown that we can be physical on both sides of the ball this season. Like it’s not like we’re like brand-new. We’ve adjusted. We’ve gotten better earlier in the season. We’re obviously taking steps back, but we had the ability to do great things as a team and I think we’ve shown that so far. It’s just a rough patch. It’s not fun. It’s something you don’t want to go through as a team. You don’t want to be in this position, but we got to claw our way out of it somehow. You can’t just sulk and be feeling sorry for ourselves. That’s just going to make us worse.”

Landry Shamet has been cleared for contact and has been doing controlled contact, according to Mike Brown. He was ruled out of tomorrow's game against the Blazers.

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) January 10, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On his role, shot volume, and impact on winning:

“I’m going to keep shooting and keep making space for my teammates. I’m gonna keep trying to be as impactful for winning as possible and be the best in the role as possible. Getting my teammates involved and moving the ball and making the defense shift and giving the whole team space to operate my passing gravity. I am trying to do my best in my role and impact the winning. Tonight, it is unfortunate we did not do enough to win. I thought we did a great job to put ourselves in the position to win, so it’s more disappointing.”

On Josh Hart’s absence in a new system:

“I mean, it’s tough when you’re missing a big part of your team in a new system, new offense, new philosophy, scheme.”

Knicks when Hart starts: 11-3

Knicks when Hart doesn't start: 13-11 https://t.co/06IsvAVP0l

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 11, 2026

Miles McBride​

On Josh Hart’s importance to the team:

“He’s the heart and soul of the team from an energy perspective. I bring a lot of energy, we got a lot of guys that do. But he’s been doing it for so long and we’ve all been able to use him as the nucleus.”

"Being a pro's my whole mentality…I'm on Year 3…Ain't no campus you gotta go to, it's 24-7…Staying in the gym…with the dudes you see behind me…those my brothers right here I got in Westchester with me"

– Dink Pate, age 19, straight from HS to the G, leads league in 3s pic.twitter.com/LyReJ4h4qH

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 11, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/77751/knicks-bulletin-hes-a-connector-hes-a-glue-guy

 

[Zedster]

Interesting stretch for you guys. That Trae Young trade to Washington is wild timing with that pick situation - would be pretty ironic if he ends up winning just enough games to push that pick outside the top 8 and it conveys to New York. The basketball gods do have a sense of humor sometimes.

The Hart injury seems like a bigger deal than maybe it looked initially. Reading through those quotes, it's clear the team really misses his connective tissue on both ends. Brunson being that candid about looking "godawful" and saying it's all correctable stuff is refreshing honesty, but also a bit concerning that they haven't been able to fix it yet.

McBride stepping up defensively is a nice development though. His work on Harden sounds like it was solid, and Brown seems to trust him in that point-of-attack role. That's valuable depth to have.

The West Coast trip is going to be telling. Portland and Sacramento should be winnable, but back-to-backs are tough and Golden State at Chase is never easy. If they can come back 2-2 or better with Hart potentially returning, that's probably a success given how things have been going.

KAT and Brunson still figuring out how to mesh in Brown's system seems like the bigger long-term question. Lots of talent there but the fit hasn't clicked consistently yet. Still early though - new coach, new schemes, these things take time to gel.

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks at Trail Blazers, January 11, 2026

The Left Coast tour continues for the New York Knicks (24*-14) with a stop in Portland as they visit the Moda Center to battle some tricky Trail Blazers (19-20).

The Blazers are hovering around .500, which absolutely reflects their season so far. Following a stumble out of the gate, Portland has stabilized and shown signs of real competitiveness, to the point that they’re legitimate candidates for the play-in. They have won five straight and seven of their last ten. That includes back-to-back victories over Houston and convincing wins against Utah, New Orleans, and San Antonio. Several of those contests featured late-game rallies, suggesting that this young team is maturing fast. They rank ninth in pace, 15th in scoring at 116.4 points per game, and 24th defensively by points allowed, with below-average offensive and defensive ratings.

At the center of their momentum is Deni Avdija, a fifth-year player who, in his second season with the club, has emerged as Portland’s most dangerous offensive weapon. Avdija is enjoying an All-Star-worthy, pouring in big scoring nights while also contributing as a rebounder and secondary playmaker (although my friend out there says Deni shouldn’t handle the ball so often, and this team desperately needs the injured Scoot Henderson back).

In his second season, the 7’2” Donovan Clingan has averaged 11.1 points and 10.8 rebounds. He provides the Blazers with a strong interior presence, far outperforming Robert “TimeLord” Williams, III, now on the second unit.

Third-year power forward Toumani Camara has also made his mark with energetic two-way play, including a recent career-high scoring performance, a 25-point showing on Friday against the Rockets when he made 5-of-11 from deep. Camara is a disruptive wing with some high-upside intangible, averaging 13.2 points and 5.2 boards this season.

The high-flying Shaedon Sharpe has emerged as a central piece of Portland’s offense this season, averaging 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He is one of the Blazers’ primary scoring options behind Deni Avdija. After a slow start from three-point range, Sharpe has found his rhythm since December, regularly topping 20 points.

Overall, despite their inconsistencies, this is a Blazers team trending in the right direction.

The Knicks arrive still searching for balance. Losing six of their last ten games has exposed the predictability of their offense, which stalls in late-clock isolations and puts too much emphasis on Jalen Brunson to shoulder the load. Cap has been brilliant this season—you don’t win Player of the Month for nothing—but New York’s best version of itself depends on others asserting themselves alongside J.B. Against a Portland team that will happily load up on the ball, the Knicks need a decisive second option.

Much of the spotlight falls on Karl-Anthony Towns, whose role has shrunk lately, with averages of 18.5 points and 10.5 boards in his last 10 games. For New York to control this matchup, his aggression has to show early. When the team swings the ball, touches the paint, and exploits their spacing, the offense is arguably the finest in the league. When it doesn’t, the inefficiency compounds with their defensive shortcomings to make them look like a one-and-done playoff team.

For the Knicks, Landry Shamet remains out with a shoulder injury but is nearing a return, while Josh Hart and Guerschon Yabusele are both listed as game-time decisions. Hart played in Portland for 64 games—half a season after being traded from New Orleans, half a season before going to New York—and seemed to enjoy his time there. Look for him to suit up tonight.

Portland’s injury report is a scroll, with Jerami Grant sidelined by an Achilles injury and Kris Murray out with a back issue, while defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle continues to recover from a thumb injury. The Blazers may also be shorthanded in the backcourt and frontcourt, depending on the availability of Jrue Holiday (calf) and Robert Williams III (knee), both of whom are listed as game-time decisions.

Prediction​

ESPN.com likes the Knicks at 67%. We get it, but we’re not as confident. Portland enters this one riding real momentum behind a fast-paced, confident young core led by Avdija and Sharpe. Meanwhile, New York’s recent losing ways could begin to erode their confidence, and fatigue is always possible with road trips. Too often they have played down to their opponent, and, given the travel schedule, we’re skeptical that coach Mike Brown has had the time and opportunity to straighten out the team’s problems.

The Knicks need to move the ball early, to ease the late-game burden on Brunson, and they need an assertive night from Karl-Anthony Towns against that gorilla Clingan. Despite it being a January road game versus a team with a losing record, this has all the makings of a thriller. Age and beauty wins it in the end—Knicks by five.

Game Details​

Teams: New York Knicks (24*-14) at Portland Trail Blazers (19-20)

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM ET

Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR

TV: MSG

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...eview-knicks-at-trail-blazers-january-11-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I kind of had a disagreement with medical’

The New York Knicks welcomed Josh Hart back to the lineup…

…and Josh Hart helped them win a game for the first time since forever (well, kinda).

Here’s a bunch of quotes from and about Hart, and a few other things coming off a dub in Portland.

DPOG MITCH pic.twitter.com/kZWKuuPuYQ

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 12, 2026

Mike Brown​

On his decision to sit Karl-Anthony Towns for most of the fourth quarter:

“We normally do [close with Towns]. On the minutes sheet, he’s there [to play down the stretch]. But we strung a lot of stops together. And we were getting out and going. And I will do this — if I think a group is rolling, I’ll keep a group out there. As long as it doesn’t impact a guy’s minutes drastically. And that group was rolling and I kept them out there because of it.”

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ benching:

“I’ve said this before: It’s not all on KAT to adjust to and adapt to what we have to do. He’s had the hardest adjustment period because he’s had to learn the most. In the same breath, I have to make sure that I help him by simplifying what we do and making sure I’m putting him in the right spots and then he’s got to do the things necessary to help out, as well.”

On Josh Hart’s return to the lineup:

“It’s huge. Josh, like I said before, a lot of our guys are irreplaceable and especially a guy like Josh who does so many little things for you.”

Josh Hart on bringing toughness, physicality, and extra effort plays to the Knicks lineup – and he did all three in the New York 123-114 win over the Blazers.@nyknicks | @stevenovak16 | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/u0RnF6Wn13

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 12, 2026

Josh Hart​

On deciding to return from his ankle injury as soon as possible:

“If we were on a good little run, I’d have taken a couple more days, couple more games. I felt I could come in and help where I’m at right now. I’m good. I always feel if I’m banged up a little bit and I go out there and play and get the movement and all that it helps me heal faster.”

On his help when defenses blitz Jalen Brunson:

“I think there was certain situations when I was out, like the San Antonio game, for example, where they’re blitzing JB, and I’d be able to help, being in that pocket and playmaking and kind of helping guys, being in those kind of positions, stuff like that. Or you’re watching and saying like, ‘Damn, if I was out there I could help in this way, help in that way.’”

On not feeling pressure upon his return to the lineup:

“I don’t think there’s pressure when I’m coming back. It’d probably be more pressure if we were on a five-game winning streak. I can’t come in and mess things up. If we were on a five-game winning streak, I probably wouldn’t be playing.”

On his offensive mindset:

“I just try to do what I do and bring toughness and physicality. I wasn’t as physical as I wanted to be tonight, but we’ve gotta do a good job of making it difficult.”

On shooting the rock when left open by the Blazers:

“Definitely thought I was gonna get a little bit of rest off but I saw Clingan was sagging off me. I said ‘I gotta let this one fly.’ When I get disrespected out there, I’ve gotta go out there and play my game.”

On his role on the team:

“Offense is complementary. What I bring to this team is toughness, physicality, those extra effort plays, plays that get guys going. That’s what I try to do. Offense, it’ll be there some games. Some not. But I build my game off of toughness.”

On starting games and bringning much-needed physicality:

“So no matter what I’m doing, I’ve gotta make sure I bring the physicality and toughness to start the game and have that be a contagious thing and if guys aren’t doing that, hold them accountable.”

On his ankle injury:

“At first, the way it felt, the way it popped, it’s definitely better than I thought. I thought it would be dislocated, the way it sounded and felt.”

On pushing to return sooner:

“My plan originally I wanted to try to come back that Clipper game. I learned a day or two before that Clipper game that was not going to happen, just how it was feeling. If we were on a good little run I’d have taken a couple more days, couple more games. I felt I could come in and help where I’m at right now. I’m good.

“I kind of had a disagreement with medical yesterday I wanted to do a little more game speed stuff but they didn’t want me to do too much game speed stuff yesterday because they didn’t want me to be too sore today. So we were going back and forth with that. But the first two or three up-and-backs is the worst and then after that it’s good.”

On the injury actually helping long-term:

“For me, I’m looking at it both ways because I want to play, but this could be beneficial down the stretch, not playing all those game. At the end of last year, I felt like I didn’t have ‘IT’ and that was more me personally.”

On his perspective on the season and the recent Knicks’ losing skid:

“So now it’s like OK, I don’t wanna say I have a break, but I’m not having these games, and down the line I have more to tap into. And by the way there’s highs and lows. It’s an 82-game season. If we go on a 10-game winning streak, no one remembers the four-game losing streak.”

"I kinda had disagreement with Medical…I wanted to do more game-speed stuff yesterday…they didn't want me to be too sore today…First 2-3 up-&-backs is the worst after that it's good"

– Josh Hart to @JLEdwardsIII on return after 2.5 weeks. Josh 18-3-6 in 31 mins of Knicks win pic.twitter.com/SrQI22IHWS

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 12, 2026

Jalen Brunson​

On Josh Hart’s return:

“His energy is contagious.”

On Hart’s early impact vs. Portland:

“Big time. We needed it. We need him at his best and especially, those first two shots, the layup, too, were big time for us to see him just knock those down and make a tough layup. His energy is contagious. I’m just happy he is back.”

On Hart’s impact despite outside noise around the team:

“They say what they want to say. We control what we can control. His energy is contagious. I’m just really happy to have him back. He’s worked his butt off obviously trying to get back. He’s a big part of what we do, regardless of what people say and all that stuff. So I’m just happy he’s back.”

On what Hart gives the team:

“We needed it. We need him at his best. Those first two shots he made, those two 3s, and the layup, too, were big time for us. His energy is contagious, and I’m happy to have him back.”

The NBA sneaker KING PJ Tucker pulled up so Melo & Kaz had to bring the heat out

Stay tuned for Monday's new episode pic.twitter.com/GqrHK1mAPv

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) January 11, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...tin-i-kind-of-had-a-disagreement-with-medical

 

[New York Knicks]

A Young’n who’s Gun’n

After the Knicks waived Tosan Evbuomwan last Wednesday before his contract became guaranteed, 19-year-old Dink Pate made his case almost immediately. Just two days later with the Westchester Knicks, he delivered a performance that didn’t just argue for that open two-way spot, but also signaled a move toward getting younger across the roster.

Over the weekend, Pate logged the full 48 minutes in Friday night’s matchup for the Westchester Knicks against the Stockton Kings and turned in the most complete showing of his young pro career. He poured in 31 points and caught absolute fire from deep, knocking down 8 of his 14 three-point attempts, a career-high in his third G League season. Pate filled out the box score with four rebounds and five assists, went 2-for-3 on shots inside the arc, and did it all without committing a single turnover, an impressive level of control considering how heavily the offense ran through him.

Shooting has long been the swing skill in Pate’s evaluation. His physical tools, athletic fluidity, and advanced feel for the game have been evident since his mid-teens, but lingering doubts about the consistency of his jumper helped push him into undrafted territory in the 2025 NBA Draft. Performances like Friday’s, however, hint that this long-standing question may finally be turning into an answer.

That progression has been steady and intentional. A Las Vegas native, Pate bypassed the collegiate route and turned pro at just 17, joining G League Ignite and becoming one of the youngest players ever to compete at that level. Now only 19, he is already in his third professional season. At 6-foot-8, he entered the league as a versatile wing with ball-handling chops, playmaking instincts, and the ability to guard multiple positions. Early on, his role was less about box-score production and more about adjustment, development, and sharpening his overall skill set.

Following his tenure with Ignite, Pate continued his development with the Mexico City Capitanes, where he assumed expanded offensive duties and further honed his decision-making. That experience accelerated his maturation, particularly in processing defensive coverages and absorbing physical contact while maintaining efficiency.

Friday’s outing was not an anomaly. Earlier this season, Pate authored a 37-point, 11-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, demonstrating his capacity to dictate the flow of a game across multiple facets. He connected on five three-pointers in that performance, a season-high figure that was eclipsed by his eight makes against Stockton.

The timing of Pate’s rise feels anything but coincidental. With the Knicks currently holding an open two-way spot, the door is wide open for the organization to take a long look inward rather than search elsewhere. Head coach Mike Brown has shown he’s not shy about leaning on young pieces, and while Pate would be the youngest player on the Knicks roster, his lengthy run in the G League has given him a level of experience that puts him right in that same conversation as some of the other Knicks in their sophomore seasons.

Even if Pate were to secure a two-way contract, a consistent role at the NBA level would remain far from assured. New York’s rotation is densely populated, and opportunities often materialize only through reduction, as evidenced by some of the team’s recent injuries.

Should such an opening emerge, Pate would offer a dimension that is largely absent from the current roster. Currently the Knicks are thin with wings capable of routinely generating advantages through vertical athleticism and open-floor explosiveness. At just 19 years old, Pate remains a developmental investment rather than a finished product, but his recent shooting advancements indicate that his trajectory is increasingly aligned with long-term NBA viability.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-analysis/77821/a-youngn-whos-gunn

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks make pair of bench players available in trade talks

Last season, the Knicks’ lackluster bench minutes came from Cameron Payne, occasional minutes from Precious Achiuwa, Ariel Hukporti, and just a fraction of a season from Landry Shamet and Delon Wright. Coming into this season, fans were excited about the potential of having a much deeper bench. A big reason for the excitement was the presence of former 76er Guerschon Yabusele.

The French big man was drafted by the Celtics in 2017, but found himself playing overseas by 2019. And for a while, it looked like he would never see his way back. After an impressive showing at the 2024 Summer Olympics, though, he found himself back in the league with Philadelphia, where he established himself as a very solid bench piece, averaging 11PPG, 5.6RPG, and 2.1 APG in 27.1 MPG.

He was a mediocre but still high-energy defender who provided rebounding, outside shooting, and a surprising amount of playmaking from his position. In the 2025 offseason, New York, looking to retool their close to nonexistent bench, Yabusele emerged as a great candidate to give them some depth at a position of need, while also being different from the bigs that were already on the roster.

Yet the first couple of months of Yabusele’s time in a Knicks jersey have been worse than anyone could have imagined. He showed up to camp looking heavier than he did last year, albeit saying that he isn’t that far off his usual playing weight. He has been a subpar defender. His shot hasn’t been nearly as reliable. And he looks more lost and less confident seemingly by the day.

Yabusele is technically trending in the right direction, as his shooting numbers have looked better as of late. Despite still seeing very limited minutes, he is shooting 47.5% from the field and 43.5% from three since the beginning of December. That may not seem amazing given his lack of volume, but it’s still a step up from the 36.5% field goal percentage and 28.6% three-point percentage he posted in his first 18 games of the season.

That being said, it’s nowhere near a stretch to say that his performance has left a lot to be desired and that he’s simply been disappointing. Coach Mike Brown and the front office seemed to remain confident in Yabusele’s ability to eventually turn it around, but recent reports of him being available in trade talks are a sign that the team is already ready to move on.

But Yabusele isn’t the only Knick, or only Frenchman, on the team that is apparently available. Fellow countryman and former first-round pick, Pacome Dadiet, is reportedly also on the trading block. Dadiet, who the Knicks took last year as a young and raw prospect with upside, has yet to earn any consistent minutes. And while he’s shown flashes of defense, shooting, and playmaking, the 20-year-old has played the third fewest minutes on the team, bettering just Trey Jemison and Tosan Evbuomwan, and trailing fellow sophomores Tyler Kolek and the aforementioned Hukporti by over 400 minutes, and 200 minutes respectively.

It will be interesting to see what the two, whether in separate deals alone or in one together, could get the Knicks. Yabusele’s value has only gone down since the start of the season, but there may still be some contenders out there that believe that he’s worth the risk and that a change of scenery is all he needs. Conversely, Dadiet, given his age and lack of experience, likely won’t draw the interest of any contenders, but he could be an interesting project to take on for a lottery team or a rebuilding team.

Regardless, it’s been a disappointing start to the season for the two for different reasons. Yabusele hasn’t been nearly as productive as the team would have hoped for. And while Dadiet was never going to be a consistent contributor to this team, the fact that his teammates from the same draft class, albeit older ones, have shown more growth and have earned more trust is a bit concerning, especially since guys like Ryan Dunn, Ajay Mitchell, Jamal Shead, Adem Bona, Quinten Post, and Cam Spencer- all of whom have contributed since being drafted- got picked after him. Some of that is on Brown, and the previous head coach, Tom Thibodeau, but the Knicks find themselves in a tough spot now where they must decide if they want to cut their losses and go all in for their current window, or play it out.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...air-of-bench-players-available-in-trade-talks

 

[New York Knicks]

Are there other contenders who have been underperforming?

Prior to the Knicks’ win over the Trail Blazers, and certainly before their win over the Clippers, the fanbase went through a non-insignificant level of panic. How much trepidation they felt varied, but it was clear that fans were becoming more and more concerned with some of the coaching decisions, the level of play, the effort, and roster construction. While many of those things are still things of note, the levels to which they have been discussed have come back down to earth, as if often does after a win.

Now, again, winning two out of three against the Clippers, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games, but still are just 16-23 on the season, and the Trail Blazers, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games, but still are just 19-21, isn’t a sign that this team has magically been fixed overnight. Jalen Brunson’s defense, Karl-Anthony Towns’ inconsistent offense, Mikal Bridges’ physicality, or lack thereof, Mitchell Robinson’s minutes restrictions, the up-and-down play of the bench, and Mike Brown’s questionable decisions will all inevitably rear it’s ugly head once again.

But, for as much as the Knicks have struggled, they are still just 3.5 games behind first place, and hold the sixth-best record in the league. And that’s largely because many of the league’s top teams have also gone through their own mini-struggles for different reasons.

The Pistons, the lone team sitting ahead of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference, are just 6-4 in their last ten games. They have been without Cade Cunningham for the last two games, while rising star Jalen Duren has missed the last four. Those are big reasons for their mediocre play as of late, but their struggles go past just their injuries, as their overall play has slipped a bit.

The Celtics, Raptors, and 76ers, who sit behind the Knicks in that order, have all also gone 6-4 in their last 10 games. While the Magic and Cavaliers, the two teams that were looked to be the Knicks’ biggest threats coming into the season, have gone just 5-5. In fact, there isn’t a single Eastern Conference team right now that has won more than six of its last 10 games.

And over in the Western Conference, it isn’t much better. The Thunder, who have picked it back up as of late, went through a mini-skid of their own. They lost to the Suns on January 4th, lost by 27 to the Hornets the night after, and then beat a struggling Jazz and Grizzlies team by a combined five points over their next two games. And they’re still just a month removed from losing four out of six games, including three to the Spurs over a two-week span.

Meanwhile, those same Spurs have gone just 5-5 in their last 10 games, which include losses to the aforementioned Grizzlies and Trail Blazers. The Nuggets’ struggles, like the Pistons’, can largely be attributed to injuries, as they have been without Nikola Jokic and a myriad of other starters for some time now, but they, too, have gone just .500 over their last 10 games. As have the Timberwolves, who lost to the struggling Cavaliers and Nets during that span.

And then there are the Lakers and Rockets, who have both looked bad, losing three in a row. The former managed to score just 91 points against the Spurs, lost to the Bucks, and then lost to a Kings team that hadn’t even won double-digit games coming into the night, and was on the second half of a back-to-back. The latter lost to a still Kyrie Irving-less Mavericks team, lost back-to-back games against the Trail Blazers, and the Kings as well.

Does any of this excuse the Knicks for their poor play? No. Does it make you, or anyone else forget the holes that are very much a concern going forward? No. And does it, or should it, make you feel any better about the fact that they looked like one of the worst teams in the league for about two weeks? Also no. But it does help put things into perspective to a degree.

Sam Presti on April 20th, 2023:

“The sky falls on every NBA team at least two times a year… You may play horrible for weeks, it may be a month. You don’t want to have several months… The teams that have a sophisticated competitiveness to them understand that while you’re… pic.twitter.com/0hWvl6DpW2

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) January 6, 2026

An 82-game regular season is a long and strenuous one, and with the talent of the league and the volatility of shooting, teams, more than ever, are prone to being upset or losing games they shouldn’t. And over the season, lulls are bound to happen.

The Pacers, who went on to the NBA Finals last year, were 16-18 in early January last season. The four teams that made the NBA Cup Semifinals this season started a combined 8-12 in their first 20 games after the tournament. And as Thunder general manager, Sam Presti mentions above, teams are going to have losing streaks and underperform for stretches. The important thing is what the coaches, players, and front office can do to work through it and learn from it.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ther-contenders-who-have-been-underperforming

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks at Kings, January 14, 2026

Every failing operation has one thing in common: a scapegoat.

Whether deserved or not, there’s always one person who has an unfair amount of blame placed on their shoulders for their failures. In the sports world, that scapegoat usually is the one to lose his job, as the ones in charge ignore the rest of the team’s flaws and think that the scapegoat is the only thing that needed to change.

A very recent example is what the Philadelphia Eagles are doing with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Yes, even a Giants fan, I can see he’s pretty bad at his job. But did he force Jalen Hurts to throw into triple coverage on third and fourth down to lose the game on Sunday? Did he get walked down by Brock Purdy and the Niners’ fifth and sixth-best receivers? Is he behind AJ Brown’s ego-fueled diva-ness that saw him have as many drops as catches?

Where am I going with this? Scapegoats often get other jobs elsewhere, whether a lateral move or a demotion. As such, they all eventually get a chance at revenge. Tonight, Mike Brown will get a chance to get revenge after being scapegoated.

Former Kings head coach Mike Brown returns to Sacramento tonight as the Knicks face the Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

The 2023 Coach of the Year opens up on:

• The emotions of returning
• His time in Sacramento & the community
• Regrets from his tenure
• Organizational… pic.twitter.com/sw88kqFhKy

— Jake Gadon (@JakeGadon_TV) January 14, 2026

The Sacramento Kings (10-30) fired Mike Brown on December 27, 2024, after a 13-18 start. Yes, the Kings were disappointing to start the season, but Brown had brought the franchise never-before-seen stability. Let’s not forget, they didn’t make the playoffs once from 2006 to 2022. He had them as the No. 1 offense in basketball, for Pete’s sake!

He was replaced by former NBA veteran and associate head coach Doug Christie, who did make the Kings play better down the stretch. They got washed out in the play-in tournament, sure, but they gave Christie the full-time job. What’s the worst that can happen?

View this post on Instagram

Ah, I see.

Turns out the Kings’ regression has a lot more to do with baffling roster construction than anything. They’ve essentially rebuilt the 2023 Chicago Bulls, but with Domantas Sabonis instead of Nikola Vucevic. Who would’ve thought that wouldn’t work?

Anyway, Brown’s in a much better situation now and has already proven he was a ridiculous scapegoat for organizational failure. The Kings are an oddly constructed bunch that has yielded the worst offense in basketball, the third-worst defense, and the second-worst net rating. The only teams with a worse defense are the Jazz and Wizards. The Wiz are the only team with a worse net rating.

They have won two in a row entering this one; however, despite missing Keegan Murray, Sabonis, and a suspended Dennis Schroder, beating both the Rockets and Lakers by double digits is impressive, but how real is it for a team that, halfway through the season, is on pace to lose 60 games?

Projected Starters​

Russell Westbrook is a future Hall of Famer who’s turned from the loyal face of the OKC Thunder to a journeyman as his career winds down. Since 2019, he’s played for the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and now he’s in Sacramento at age 37. He no longer has the brutal burst that made him unstoppable in his prime, but he still fills the statsheet, adding four more triple-doubles to his NBA-record 207. I don’t think you want 2026 Russ to be commanding as much of the offense as he has been, though.

Zach LaVine has been an interesting case for the last half-decade. Since the Bulls’ collapse in early 2022, he’s gone back-and-forth in the NBA landscape as an injury-prone, extremely overpaid volume scorer and a genuine all-star in a bad situation. After a run of hyper-efficient basketball, he’s down to 19.9 points a game and averaging his least amount of rebounds and assists in a decade. His 61.6 TS% is still pretty good!

I’m only three players in, and I’m already tired of this roster construction. DeMar DeRozan remains the midrange maestro that he’s been his entire career, posting the most efficient season of his career with his lowest usage since he was a rookie in 2010. At age 36, it’s the best way to optimize him, but as you can see, it hasn’t turned into wins for the Kings.

OAKAAK Precious Achiuwa is where you’d usually see the three-point extraordinaire Keegan Murray if he weren’t hurt. Instead, we get an alternate revenge game from a man who was a sneakily good Knick over 1.5 seasons and, honestly, could be useful to have right now as spot depth behind OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson at the 4. Precious is averaging 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds and has made some big plays since being thrust into a surprisingly big role.

Precious Achiuwa puts a dagger in the Lakers

Kings were 8-30, last place, 7-game L streak

But they beat the Rockets Sunday

Now the Lakers Monday

Knicks visit Wednesday pic.twitter.com/9gZ8KRvLWU

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 13, 2026

Maxime Raynaud is one of the few promising young faces on this team. The No. 42 overall pick from France (by way of Stanford) is averaging 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. He’ll have the task of guarding Karl-Anthony Towns, and we know the Bodega KAT loves to feast on young bigs. Raynaud isn’t a pushover, though, standing at a stout 7’1”, 250 pounds.

Note: Malik Monk will get a starter-like minutes, as he has for the last five years. It’s just hard to fit him in a lineup with all those guards who don’t play defense.

Prediction​

The Knicks haven’t comfortably won a game in over a month. After the first 25-ish games were either uncompetitive or over by the time crunch time hits, the Knicks’ last 16 games have either been super competitive or saw them get punched in the mouth. Now, the condensed schedule doesn’t help, but the team still needs a comfortable win.

Good thing they’re coming off their first two-day break since before they won the NBA Cup! They also shouldn’t have the same lodging issues that Houston did. With a back-to-back looming against the Warriors in San Francisco, they’ll want to get this one done quickly. Let’s say they do, for our sake.

It’s a 10 pm game, oof.

Knicks by 21.

Injury Report​

Knicks:

OUT – Landry Shamet (shoulder), Trey Jemison III (G-League)

Kings:

OUT – Keegan Murray (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Dennis Schroder (trying to fight Luka)

Game Details​

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 PM ET

Place: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

TV: MSG

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/.../game-preview-knicks-vs-kings-january-14-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I’m sure there’s a human side’

Coach Brown returns to Sacto on Wednesday, now on the Knicks’ and not the Kings’ sideline.

New York still has a couple of road games on the West Coast as everybody is getting healthier, bar Shamet.

Here’s what the protagonists of tonight’s affair have said of late.

Former Kings head coach Mike Brown returns to Sacramento tonight as the Knicks face the Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

The 2023 Coach of the Year opens up on:

• The emotions of returning
• His time in Sacramento & the community
• Regrets from his tenure
• Organizational… pic.twitter.com/sw88kqFhKy

— Jake Gadon (@JakeGadon_TV) January 14, 2026

Mike Brown​

On the emotions of returning to Sacramento:

“Great memories here. I enjoyed working with the people I worked with, too. The reality of it is coming back here in a place my family enjoyed, yeah it’s a little emotional. But at the end of the day, the fans, if they cheer me or hug me when they see me during the game, after the game, trust me, they wanna kick my ass, and the Knicks’ ass. And we wanna do the same.”

On ignoring outside narratives:

“I can’t control what things are being said. Anybody can jump on the internet and post something and to some degree, you may think it’s real. You can’t control that. You’ve just gotta put your head down, keep pushing forward and be the best you can.”

On processing his Kings firing:

“When it happened, you process it real quickly and then literally my wife and I, we went to Australia for UFC 313. We went to hang out in Brooklyn, we hung out in Puerto Vallarta, and then we went to St. Barts. I probably shouldn’t say all that. But in this life, you’ve gotta keep moving forward. You can really beat yourself up if you try to guess what should have happened, why it happened, all that stuff. Life is short.”

On his Kings tenure and injuries hurting them:

“Our first year we won 48 games, and this is my personal two cents: if Kevin doesn’t get hurt two months to go and Malik doesn’t get hurt with a month to go, we probably win 50 that second year and then we’re in the playoffs. First year we played injury free, second year we got hit with the injury bug especially late. If there’s anything I regret, I wish we were injury free at least at the end of the season to give ourselves a better chance.”

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ adjustment:

“I’ve said this before: It’s not all on KAT to adjust to and adapt to what we have to do. He’s had the hardest adjustment period because he’s had to learn the most. In the same breath, I have to make sure that I help him by simplifying what we do and making sure I’m putting him in the right spots, and then he’s got to do the things necessary to help out as well. He’s a great rebounder. He’s a potential double-double guy every time he steps out on the floor, so there are other ways he can impact the game. That’s what great players do.”

Carmelo Anthony will be a coach in the Rising Stars Game as part of All Star Weekend pic.twitter.com/rNH2eNmh7b

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 14, 2026

Josh Hart​

On the perceptions around Mike Brown’s firing:

“I don’t know the ins and outs of how it transpired. The stuff that was always reported wasn’t the most respectful stuff. I think the way that it happened was reported kind of unfair and unprofessional.”

On the system changes under Brown:

“You know, it always takes a little bit of time to change systems. It’s the same nucleus, same group of guys. Roles are a little different, situations are a little different. We knew it was always going to take a little bit of time, but we’re figuring it out. There’s highs and lows. We’re learning and progressing.”

On the meaning of revenge games:

“I’m sure there’s a human side to wanting to play the team that fired you. He hasn’t shown that at all. We always say it’s just another game, but there’s always a little bit behind it.”

Knicks full injury report Wednesday in Sacramento:

Landry Shamet OUT 25th game (right shoulder sprain)

Guerschon Yabusele AVAILABLE (not on report after 2 games out with right quad contusion)

Trey Jemison OUT (G League – 2 way) pic.twitter.com/qukT8Y1A0P

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 13, 2026

Jalen Brunson​

On Mike Brown as a coach:

“I was happy with the hiring. I heard about him. I didn’t really have a relationship with him but he’s always said some nice words about me to the press. So when I got to know him and everything, it just validated what I thought. Great guy, on and off the court. Just a blessing to be around.”

On the Knicks’ ever-improving game:

“I feel like we’re not a finished product. There will always be constant adjustments. You’re never a finished product.”

23 years ago tonight in the Carrier Dome 18-year-old Syracuse freshman Carmelo Anthony helps his team upset #11 Missouri

Tonight in the Carrier Dome 18-year-old Syracuse freshman Kiyan Anthony warms up with his dad pic.twitter.com/XBqqzdNx2G

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 14, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/77913/knicks-bulletin-rick-is-fabulous

 

[New York Knicks]

Kings 112, Knicks 101: Sucking in Sacramento

The Knicks of New York (25*-15) now have a road record of 8-11. On the bright side, there’s one game left on their current trip. Tonight, they took on the Sacramento Kings (11-30), cellar dwellers of the West. Although Sac Town came into the contest having won two straight, we expected this to be a walk for our heroes. But a funny thing happened on the way to the Golden 1 Center.

Precious Achiuwa and Sacramento seized control early and never let go. They shot well while the Knicks fired blanks (like, a ton of them). After New York scored a season-low 17 points in the first frame, they stumbled into intermission having scored their fewest first-half points of the season (42). Shooting 1-of-19 from deep will do that. On top of that, Jalen Brunson left the game with a re-injured ankle. This was pure misery. Post-halftime, the visitors fell behind by 25 in the third quarter, continued to stink in the fourth, and had the score narrowed to a more respectable 112-101 by the garbage time reserves.

New York shot 39-for-100 overall (39%) and 8-for-41 from three (20%). Individually, Mikal Bridges led the starters with 19 points on 6-of-20 shooting, while OG Anunoby added 15 points but missed all six of his three-point attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 13 points (all in the first half) on 5-of-14, grabbed four rebounds, and committed five fouls. Josh Hart logged 10 points, five boards, and five assists, and Jalen Brunson played just five minutes before his injury. I wouldn’t count on him being available tomorrow against Curry and the Warriors.

Off the bench, Jordan Clarkson provided 11 points on 5-for-11, and Mitchell Robinson was the team’s brightest spot with 11 rebounds (seven offensive) and eight points in 19 minutes. Miles McBride chipped in 10 points but shot 4-of-14.

Sacramento shot 35-for-74 from the field (47%), 10-for-27 from three (37%), and 32-for-38 at the line. Enjoying his revenge game, OAKAAKUYOAK Achiuwa delivered a monster two-way performance: 20 points, 14 rebounds (six offensive), two steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes. Guerschon Yabusele, his replacement, recorded two points and three boards in five minutes. Stings a little . . . yes, it does.

For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan logged 27 points on 7-for-16 shooting and passed Kevin Garnett (26,071) for 22nd place on the Career Points list. Zach LaVine added 25 points on 8-for-14 and 5-for-9 from three. And Russell Westbrook, playing his 1,278th regular-season game, delivered 19 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds.

First Half​

Sacramento put Achiuwa on Jalen Brunson to start the game, and you have to wonder if he requested it. The former Knick had something to prove, scoring nine points in the first frame on 4-of-5 shooting. DeRozan was rocking and rolling, too. He led the Kings on a 32-13 run to upend an early Knicks advantage and never looked back.

Everyone thought this would be Mike Brown's revenge game… but maybe we should've been preparing for the PRECIOUS ACHIUWA revenge game

He's got 9 pts (4-5 FG) to start the 1Q

Kings lead 24-15 with 3:26 left in the first@CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/u2HwmKTUmS

— Brandon Benitez (@BranitezSports) January 15, 2026

Sacramento shot 63% from the floor, while New York’s offense found no quarter in the first quarter. Methinks the rims at Golden 1 might be made of cement. Our heroes shot 35% from the field and missed ALL NINE of their three-point attempts (0%). Then Brunson turned his ankle (the same one he sprained back in November) and limped to the locker room. This game stunk.

After falling behind by 15, New York closed the period down 32-17. For those of you keeping track, yes, that is their lowest first quarter of the season.

Nice sequence from KAT here. More of this would have been helpful:

impacting offense AND defense.

vote KAT for #NBAAllStar starter ️ https://t.co/Ov3esq1i8z pic.twitter.com/MOAIthOTNF

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 15, 2026

Coach Brown sent Tyler Kolek into the fray to start the second quarter. For the dazed and confused Knicks, however, the song remained the same. When Josh Hart connected from beyond the arc at the 8:40 mark, he finally broke their awful drought. It was cause for celebration, too, as it was the 700th three-pointer of Hart’s career. On the next possession, however, Josh passed the ball to the other team. Yessir, it was like that. In real life, I’m deep into Moby-Dick, which on past attempts I impatiently abandoned during the “Sermon” chapter. I’d be reading that—or sleeping . . . sigh—if not obliged to write about this miserable game.

Josh’s three ignited an 11-4 stretch for the visitors. That was encouraging. They were unable to reduce the deficit to single digits. That was disappointing. On the Sacramento side, old man Westbrook set the tempo with multiple threes, dimes, and boards; DeRozan continued to contribute; and LaVine chipped in key perimeter shot-making. By halftime, New York was on the wrong end of 56-42, their lowest scoring first half of the season.

Call me cranky, but the notion of KAT’s ‘leadership style’ is scoffable on a night when his team desperately needed some highly-compensated leadership.

Karl-Anthony Towns sheds light on his leadership style, the impact of his family, and working with his teammates on continuous improvement in an all-access conversation

Catch the full sit-down interview https://t.co/9eJTKFauKx pic.twitter.com/FKuOKSZZ57

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 14, 2026

Lowly Sacramento dominated the half. They made 54% from the field and 36% from three, while the Knicks struggled to make 34% overall and shot 1-of-19 from deep. Five percent. Good Lord, this was a tough watch. At least New York competed on the glass with 11 offensive rebounds and a 28-20 points-in-the-paint edge, but they managed just nine assists without their captain. Towns led them with 13 points, and Robinson logged seven rebounds in 10 minutes; for the Kings, DeRozan topped their scoresheet with 15.

I wonder what Queequeg is up to.

Second Half​

Hey, Bridges hit a three! In the coldness of this winter, let us seize upon any ember that gives us warmth. Outside of that, New York was outscored 15-3 to fall behind by 23 (and eventually 25). The Kings fans showered the home team with a whole lotta love. Meanwhile, I assume Guerschon Yabusele tried to hide every time Achiuwa did something noteworthy, which was not infrequent. Message received, Master P. Sometimes the replacement fails to live up to the original . . . these things are clear to all from time to time.

For New York, Robinson again supplied energy and offensive rebounds—and made two of his free throws—while Bridges was New York’s most consistent two-way presence, delivering buckets while also jumping passing lanes. McBride, who stunk like rotting whale blubber from deep so far, finally planted a three-pointer after six misses. Cement rims, I tells ya!

For the home squad, there was plenty of reason for bonhomie. Westbrook was everywhere, LaVine scored from multiple levels, and Raynaud quietly made his mark, cashing in on multiple Russ-assists. This team sure didn’t look like a 10-game winner as they decorated New York’s faces with sneaker-prints and scorched the nets. If not for a Jordan Clarkson triple as the quarter came to a close, the score would have been worse than 96-76. Your intrepid writer was jonesing to get back to the ocean with Ahab.

Through the first five minutes of the final frame, New York began to claw their way back. They outscored the Kings by five, reducing the differential to 15. Could this be a stairway to heaven? No, sir. The way these ‘Bockers were bricking, this game was over the hills and far away long before crunch time. McBride drilled his second from downtown to make the hole 14 points with four minutes to go, but New York failed to score over the next minute-and-a-half. Brown emptied his bench at 2:30.

Kolek hit a three, and Yabu made an uncontested layup to cut the difference to nine with 50 seconds left. Don’t get your hopes up. Westbrook made a three-pointer, and that was the killing harpoon. Light the beam, indeed.

Up Next​

The Knicks bounce over to San Fran to face the Warriors tomorrow. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

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

Precious Achiuwa is looking forward to facing his former Knicks team tonight, says he looks forward to battling his former friends on the team, who have been actively talking trash in the group chat, as well as his Kings playing their best ball of the season. pic.twitter.com/jicM0c9Opc

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) January 14, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...44/kings-112-knicks-101-sucking-in-sacramento

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks at Warriors, January 15, 2026

The New York Knicks (25*–15) limp into Chase Center tonight for a late tilt against a Warriors team that’s steadied itself at home, riding veteran leadership and solid recent play. New York has dropped six of eight and is on the second night of a back-to-back. They will likely play without Jalen Brunson, leaving Karl-Anthony Towns to shoulder the load against a Golden State squad that just demolished Portland.

Tonight’s tip off is 10 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime. This is your game thread. This is Golden State of Mind. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Treat each other respectfully. And go Knicks!

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ame-thread-knicks-at-warriors-january-15-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Warriors 126, Knicks 113: On E in Cali.

TThe road trip is over, hallelujah, amen. Tonight, the New York Knicks (25*-16) were coming off a dismal loss in Sacramento yesterday. They would be playing without their injured leader, Jalen Brunson, and without Mitchell Robinson, load managing after last night’s game. Their opponent, the Golden State Warriors (23-19), had pulverized Portland on Tuesday and have looked good lately. The question was, could the Knicks roster hold its own against Steph Curry and the Dubs?

From the jump, it looked like maybe they could.

The Knicks burst out of the gate fleet of foot and shooting sharply. They rode Josh Hart’s all-around play to build a 17-point lead, but that energy proved hard to sustain as the fatigue set in. Golden State steadied itself behind Jimmy Butler and Curry, erasing the deficit by halftime and taking a 62-59 lead. In the second half, more buckets scored by Curry, Butler, and Moses Moody—seven three pointers for him—allowed the Warriors to pull away, as the graph below shows. Despite gritty efforts from OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, and even Karl-Anthony Towns, there was no gas left in the tank for a real rally. Final score, 126-113.

New York finished shot 42-of-91 (46%), hitting 14-of-38 from downtown (37%) and 15-of-19 at the line (79%). They outrebounded the Dubs by four and dished 28 dimes without their lead point guard. They just didn’t get enough support from their bench, which was outscored 35-20.

Anunoby and McBride carried the load with 25 points apiece: the former went 10-of-20 overall with five rebounds and two steals, while the latter shot 6-of-12 from deep and added six assists. Towns posted a 17-point, 20-rebound double-double on 6-of-14 shooting, including eight offensive boards. Mikal Bridges chipped in 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. After his quick start, Josh Hart’s impact diminished steadily (five points on 1-of-7), but he added 10 assists. Off the bench, Jordan Clarkson scored 11 points and was a -18 plus/minus in his 18 minutes. Landry Shamet returned to the lineup (see below) but was rusty, shooting 2-of-7. And Tyler Kolek distributed five assists, but turned over the ball twice and took one shot in 11 minutes (-12).

Golden State shot 48-of-89 (54%) and 20-of-45 from deep (44%). Jimmy Butler topped the charts with 32 points on 14-of-22 shooting, adding eight rebounds and four assists. Curry chipped in 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three, with seven assists. Moses Moody provided a major perimeter lift with 21 points on 7-of-9 from three. Off the bench, Brandin Podziemski scored 19 on 8-of-9 shooting with five assists and a team-best +22.

First Half​

In the opening minutes, New York established control with uncommon energy. McBride was the nominal point guard, but Hart assumed the role of chief playmaker. Josh was everywhere, pushing the pace, scoring, rebounding, and passing with panache. Last night, the Knicks made 1-of-19 three-pointers in the first half. They sank 5-of-6 in the first six minutes tonight. Playing so efficiently, the Knicks gathered a 17-point lead.

Around the seven-minute mark, Landry Shamet checked in for the first time in 25 games. Shamwow commemorated the moment with a three-pointer. What a welcome return!

The thing about playing fast is that sometimes the team has the careening energy of a runaway train. On a timeout, Coach Brown was heard telling his group to keep pushing the pace. Without a doubt, they got their cardio in. Sometimes it was a thing of beauty, like when Deuce drove the lane at top speed, scored, and got the and-one. Other times, they lost the handle and looked like hyperventilating giraffes on roller skates. The pace began to take its toll. As the visitors slowed down, the home team gained ground.

After going up by a bunch, New York allowed the Dubs to go on a 16-4 run. Jimmy Butler turned the tide, generating points at the rim, drawing fouls, and snagging rebounds. New York, meanwhile, committed costly turnovers and saw several shots blocked. By the break, they were still ahead, 35-30, but had clearly lost momentum.

The refs must have agreed before the game not to call travels on the Warriors. That’s cool. With some help from the zebras, Golden State kept chipping at the deficit. When their run from the end of Q1 into Q2 reached 21-7, the score was tied at 40.

At the six-ish minute mark, Golden State had made six straight shots and took its first lead of the night. From there, the lead changed five times, never more than a few points in either direction. By the buzzer, the Golden bunch were up, 62-59.

Through the half, Golden State shot 60% from the field and 47% from three, compared to New York’s 46% and 39%,. The home team also held an edge in points in the paint (26–22) and four blocks. The Knicks had taken better care of the ball, committing fewer turnovers (6–8).

The Warriors gained the most ground when their bench was deployed. The bench boys made 4-of-6 from deep, grabbed nine rebounds, and out-scored the Knicks’ second unit 23-13. For New York, KAT already had an 11-10 double-double. For the Californians, Jimmy Butler had 15 points.

Second Half​

To start the third quarter, the Knicks took a small lead before allowing the Warriors to rip off on a 16-4, Steph Curry-fueled run. It’s like Groundhog Day out here.

Golden State leaned on timely scoring from Curry, Butler, and Moody (seven three-pointers for him and counting . . .). Second-chance opportunities—thanks to offensive boards from Butler and Green—helped the Dubs control pace and keep New York at arm’s length.

The Knicks received a boost from McBride and Towns. Both hit threes. The latter supplied interior finishes and rebounds. After briefly tying the score in the first few minutes, they watched the Warriors steamroll to a double-digit advantage. Heading into the fourth, the score was 99-87.

McBride kicked off the final period with a triple. Green did us a solid, tripping Towns on a drive for a flagrant foul, giving Towns two freebies (making one), and possession. Towns gave the ball away, inadvertently elbowing Brandin Podziemski in the face for a foul (purposefully would have been fine, too). Then, seconds later, KAT picked up his fifth foul on a driving Green. To the bench went Towns. After that, Anunoby cut the differential to eight, but Curry scored a few buckets and the lead was 14. Seven minutes to go.

The Knicks finally chased Curry off the line, but he swung it to Butler, who made the three instead. That put the homers up by 17. Anunoby was doing his best Captain Clutch impression. He scored ten points and counting, all within the arc, attacking like a bull. His efforts cut the deficit to nine with four minutes left.

These Knicks played last night, remember? They looked it. Those tired legs turned to jelly and the team that offered little resistence for the previous 44 minutes had absolutely nothing left to get game-saving stops. Podziemski and McBride traded triples. Towns and McBride both missed shots. Mike Brown used a Warriors timeout to empty his bench. Ballgame.

Up Next​

Homeward bound, our heroes are. Gotta get back to the Garden for a rematch with the Suns on Saturday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

[Shameless plug: Stop by Barnes & Noble in Vestal on Saturday where I’ll be signing my latest book from 12-3pm.]

Box Score

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-scores-results/78054/warriors-126-knicks-113-on-e-in-cali

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I thought we played good in stretches’

Are you done with this team?

I’m halfway there.

Here’s a bunch of quotes, mostly from before Thursday’s game, because it’s the West Coast, so they still have to flip the calendar page to 2026.

"Anunoby playing great, McBride great, Hart, Towns––this is the problem with New York: the offense is good, still down double digits because they just. can't. stop. anybody."

–– Stan Van Gundy pic.twitter.com/O9FsYhaEIE

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 16, 2026

Mike Brown​

On the Knicks’ competitiveness against Golden State:

“I thought we played good in stretches. Our level, our competitiveness was there throughout the game. The biggest thing was I thought their level of physicality was there longer than ours was, and you could feel it throughout the course of the game.”

On the Knicks’ response without Jalen Brunson:

“I’d be disappointed in myself and the rest of the team. It was sad, but we didn’t play the way we were capable of playing. When you do that, you’re going to get your behinds kicked, and we got our behinds kicked.”

On Landry Shamet’s work ethic:

“Landry, he’s a worker, man. I wasn’t there the whole time watching him or getting reports on him, but when I did see him, he was getting after it. It means a lot for him to play.”

On patience with Shamet’s return:

“He was in a great rhythm before he got hurt, and he’s been out for a while, so it’s gonna take some time for him to get back and it’s exciting for him to be back. We’re gonna be patient with him while he’s fighting his way back to where he was before the injury.”

On rookie Mohamed Diawara:

“Any opportunity you get, you throw him out there, and sometimes you might throw him out there for 15 minutes and sometimes you might throw him out there for two minutes, and you just kinda watch and see how he responds to it. And there may be stretches where he doesn’t see the floor at all, and you see how present he stays with it, and then the times that you do throw him out there, does he get shook or is he rattled? Mo, for a young guy especially a second-round pick that probably wasn’t expecting to play at all this year, he passed a lot of tests. He’s gonna continue to be thrown into the fire from time to time. But he’s young, he’s growing, he’s learning, there’s no need to rush him, so he’s gotta stay patient while growing with every experience that he gets when he gets on the floor.”

On Draymond Green’s basketball IQ:

“One thing: He’s extremely intelligent. His feel for the game is second to none. I’ve been around a lot of players and he’s gotta be up there Top-3 in terms of basketball IQ because he’s been doing it at a high level, has got a great feel, and has had success at it. He’s won. It wouldn’t surprise me if he transitioned into coaching, front office, whatever, because I think he’d be able to impact the game in a positive way.”

On the Kings loss after Brunson’s injury:

“We didn’t respond. We didn’t respond at all. I got to give the Kings credit because they took it to us. And we didn’t respond in any way shape or form. But even before Jalen got hurt we weren’t following the game plan. And I’m not sure why. But we were kind of just out there just going through the motions. And if you go through the motions in this league, it doesn’t matter. You’re going to get your behind kicked. And we got our behind kicked.”

On isolation-heavy offense:

“I haven’t asked the guys about playing too much hero ball, but I kind of told them what I saw. But we had plenty of opportunities to play off of two feet and spray it. We just didn’t do it.”

Flagrant on Draymond pic.twitter.com/xY8RJhFWvd

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 16, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On adjusting to the new system:

“It’s a learning process for all of us and we’re just still adjusting and getting used to a new system. Especially me. Just trying to understand our new roles and what we can do to impact the game for winning. Different year, different scheme. So we’re all adjusting to help our team have a chance to win everyday.”

On Brunson’s injury in Sacramento:

“Honestly, we didn’t know what happened until halftime. We didn’t know what was happening. I feel like the first time we saw that it could be a little something was when the second quarter started and he wasn’t starting. So the game was playing itself out, and we didn’t get a chance to emotionally react. But we came in at halftime understanding, seeing him, we understood what needed to transpire and what we needed to do. It was a next man up situation.”

No foul pic.twitter.com/FjE0RdUEx4

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 16, 2026

Josh Hart​

On the defensive effort without Brunson:

“Our defense was embarrassing. Our effort was embarrassing. It didn’t matter who was out there.”

On challenging the team defensively:

“It’s going to be a good challenge for us in terms of how we respond to it. At some point we have to take responsibility and take the challenge on the defensive end. The last month we’ve been a terrible defensive team. At some point we’ve got to stop making excuses. We’ve got to wake up. We’ve got to make sure we’re locked in on the game plan and put effort in on that side of the ball. When we do that we’re going to flourish offensively, we’re going to get more possessions, we’re going to run faster, we’re going to play our kind of style, everyone’s going to get the ball, everyone’s going to score, everyone’s going to eat. And we need to do that. Guys do what they want individually but it has to be team first, it has to be the defensive side of the ball. And hopefully we take that challenge, so we’ll see what kind of character we have against the Warriors.”

Draymond: "It's an honor to play against a talent like Karl Towns…I know I talk my junk, stir the pot…I have to or he gonna drag me…We'll play them at the Garden March, I'll talk…but I got so much respect for him…Brings out best in me…I'm grateful" pic.twitter.com/4mbfAmfTp1

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 16, 2026

Draymond Green​

On competing against Karl-Anthony Towns:

“I don’t want to give my secrets away, but I do like the matchup. But I do like playing against all the perennial all-stars and stars in this league. I enjoy those matchups. Those are the matchups that really get me going. It’s an honor. It’s an honor to play against a guy like Karl Towns. Make no mistake, Karl Towns is one of the better big mans in this league. I cherish that. I know I go out there and talk my junk and I stir the pot a little bit, for sure. But the respect I have for talents like that, for guys who has done it, what, 10, 11 years at a very high level.”

On competition once the game starts:

“But when you step in between those lines there’s no time for that. It’s time to compete. It’s time for me to try to get the better of you because you’re going to try to get the better of me. And that is one guy in the league that brings out the best in me and I’m always grateful for the opportunity.”

Landryyyy
pic.twitter.com/GAgr79Y9s3

— Teg (@IQfor3) January 16, 2026

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/78037/knicks-bulletin-xxx

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks vs. Suns, January 17, 2026

After a rocky road trip, the Knicks (25*-16) return to Madison Square Garden tonight for a rematch with the Phoenix Suns (24-17).

Not ten days ago, New York lost in Arizona, 112-107. The game was tight until Phoenix hit the gas, leaning on Devin Booker’s shot-making and a timely third-quarter surge to seize control. Jalen Brunson led New York with 27, and the Knicks got balanced support from Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, and Mikal Bridges, but a 14–0 Suns run lopped off their heads.

New York’s offense runs through Brunson, whose sprained ankle makes him a game-time decision. When the Knicks stall, it’s usually because secondary creation dries up or the three-pointers aren’t falling. Or they turn over the ball too often. Or their defense degrades to one-ply. Or their bench players look like Encino Man discovering sports. Or their coach has a postgame, sideline rubdown with that night’s villain. For a team with championship aspirations (and Dolan’s expectations), the problems are manifold. When their troubles are all activated at once, as we saw on the recently completed road trip, the disappointment is spectacular.

Towns remains a confounding puzzle piece: his rebounding and interior scoring can fill up a scoresheet, but foul trouble, turnovers, and general aloofness are regular bugaboos. The eye test alone will tell you that something is off, and the numbers support it. Towns is shooting at, or almost at, career lows from the field and from deep. Furthermore, he is averaging below 21 points for just the third season of his career.

From our distance, we have no idea why the highly decorated big man is decomposing. He could be playing hurt, confused by the playbook, incompatible with his teammates, performing badly in Fortnite, getting old, annoyed by trade rumors, or anxious about his wedding engagement. Maybe he just wants a hug from Mike Brown, but instead watched the coach give that bully Draymond Green a full bear wraparound. Whatever it is must be addressed soon, for two reasons. First, the Knicks can’t win the Finals with their Number Two player underperforming like this. Second, he’s tanking his trade value. Has anyone else drawn a heart around February 5 on your calendar?

Sorry for all the list-making today. Just caught myself sounding like Rick Moody and shuddered.

Is KAT alone to blame? Of course not. OG Anunoby has played inconsistently for a month, with some nice quarters (he tried to spark a rally on Thursday) offset by stretches when he looks positively wiped out. That can happen when you defend the opponent’s best player nightly, and clean up the slop let through by the point guard and center. The reticent Ogugua never spills tea, but aren’t you dying to know his thoughts about his teammates?

While I’m piling it on: the bench usually fails to contribute meaningfully. You can blame injuries to an extent. It definitely hurt to have Landry Shamet miss twenty-some games and Deuce McBride eleven. Mitch, I wrote about here.

The healthy guys haven’t been much help, either. Veteran Jordan Clarkson has logged a zero or less in the plus-minus column twenty times this season. He has recorded double-digit plus-minus figures seven times, but only three of those games came against teams with winning records. Fellow guard Tyler Kolek has by turns glowed like a savior and looked as lost as a jay-vee high schooler. Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr. both had fleeting moments in the sun, followed by disappearances. Who knows what’s up with Trey Jemison III? And I’m blanking on someone. Wasn’t there another kid, way down there on the pine, partial to baguettes? Pac Man something?

What does all this add up to? Me feeling less optimistic than ESPN.com is about today’s tilt, that’s what (they give New York a 65% chance). Maybe the oddsmakers factored in that Booker is a game-time decision due to a sore ankle. Ignore all that. Booker loves to play at the Garden, and Brunson knows his team needs a hero. I’d bet you a donut—if I knew you and had a donut—that both suit up.

Back home and looking to reset, the Knicks will need sharper defense and steadier offense. Controlling the glass, defending the arc, and finishing possessions are what it takes. Phoenix won the first meeting late by loading up on Brunson and capitalizing on 18 turnovers. New York must counter more strongly this time, and perhaps they will with the Garden crowd at their backs. Let’s predict that our heroes dig deep, wipe the smugness from Dillon Brooks’ and Grayson Allen’s faces, and prove they still got it down the stretch. Knicks by four.

Game Details​

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NYC
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...9/game-preview-knicks-vs-suns-january-17-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks vs. Suns, January 17, 2026

After a disappointing road trip, the Knicks (25*–16) return to Madison Square Garden tonight for a rematch with the Suns (24–17). The home team will be looking to avenge a 112–107 loss in Phoenix ten days ago. As of this writing, Devin Booker is listed as a game-time-decision, while Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are both out with bad ankles. Hoo boy.

Tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Bright Side of the Sun. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in this thread. Let’s be friends. And go Knicks!

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...93/game-thread-knicks-vs-suns-january-17-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Suns 106, Knicks 99: Not even home can’t fix them woes

The New York Knicks came up short again Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, falling 106-99 to the Phoenix Suns. Missed opportunities? Check. Turnovers? Double check. No late-game execution? Triple check.

Devin Booker returned after missing one game for the Suns, but Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart couldn’t say the same. Book dropped 27 points, Brunson and Hart combined for an egg, sitting out the game.

Grayson Allen added 16 points for Phoenix, Mark Williams finished with 14, and the Suns found the best possible dance partner to snap a two-game skid in the New York Knicks. Damn, son.

"He was a little sore, we held him out. We'll hear what Medical staff has to say tomorrow, make a decision…"

– Mike Brown to @IanBegley on Josh Hart status Monday v Mavs

Hart a gameday scratch with sore right ankle––same ankle he just missed 8 games due to Christmas sprain pic.twitter.com/Pp2WIEQ2XK

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 18, 2026

Brunson and Hart, both sidelined with ankle injuries, were all the Knicks needed to generate at least a tiny bit of offense. Wouldn’t be the case, as Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles McBride each scored 23 points, while OG Anunoby added 21, but you know, good-not-great they say.

The Knickerbockers shot 40 percent from the field, turned the rock over 17 freaking times, and fell to 16-5 at MSG.

NYK started well, hitting three of their first four attempts from beyond the arc and taking a 27-19 lead after one quarter. Phoenix responded in the second with a 12-0 run, because why not, but New York answered behind McBride’s strong outing on both ends of the floor, going into halftime up 56-55.

You made her sad pic.twitter.com/0B4P051k18

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 18, 2026

Momentum went back and forth in the third quarter. The Suns opened the half on a 10-3 run, only for the Knicks to respond with a 16-0 burst that gave them a sweet double-digit cushion. Phoenix closed the quarter strong, however, tying the game at 77 before Booker converted an and-one at the buzzer to give the Suns a three-point edge entering the fourth. Tension.

The final period was sloppy and ultimately, a bummer. Both teams tried hard, Allen appeared to injure his nose in one collision (me enjoys). Phoenix separated itself with an 8-0 run. New York seemed to only know how to miss buckets and second-chance opportunities.

Alas, an 87-87 tie turned into a 95-87 lead for the visiting Hot Spheres and that was that.

Oh, and Towns airballed a wide-open three.

Karl-Anthony Towns air-balled a 3 and the crowd started booing pic.twitter.com/HuA0a5zbkV

— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) January 18, 2026

The loss dropped the Knicks to three straight defeats and eight losses in their last 10 games. They next host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. It’s a 5 p.m. tipoff, so let’s flip this thing and say it’s never too soon for a change.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...106-knicks-99-not-even-home-cant-fix-the-woes

 

[New York Knicks]

It is time for NY to part ways with Mitchell Robinson

Having Mitchell Robinson available only twice a week and the occasional Tuesday continues to undermine the Knicks. It is time for him to go. There, I said it. Load up your bows.

At times, Mitch has been my favorite Knick. He is one of the best rebounders to ever do it, a fun personality, and the longest-tenured ‘Bocker, too. That gives him a lot of rope. But load-management prevents the seven-foot center from playing back-to-backs, making for an erratic availability that must be disruptive to game planning. We have no confidence that he will survive through the playoffs, either. And this season’s numbers don’t justify the special treatment.

Indisputably, he is a prodigious talent on the glass, where he averages nine boards in 19.4 minutes per game. Almost five of those rebounds are offensive and lead to second (or third) shots. On the scoring side, his numbers have always been ugly. This season has been the worst. Mitch is averaging a career-low 4.6 points per game. His free throw percentage is forty, and he is far too cool to try granny-style.

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This season, he has missed 13 of 41 games. The team has gone 17-11 with him, 8-5 without. Sure, it’s a flawed metric, but his plus-minus statistics suggest he has added to 13 games, of which the team won 11. In the 15 games where he was a zero or negative plus-minus, the team went 6-9.

Forgive my math (and tired eyes), but it looks like he’s played in 68% of the games so far this season, and contributed most positively in roughly half of his appearances. So, if he plays and he’s good, the team wins. The rest of the time—like 75% of the time—the team needs a reliable center.

Pipe down, I know Karl-Anthony Towns often starts at that position. But we have seen first-hand what Minnesota knew, which is that KAT cannot be your last line of defense. The guy is a turnstile whose natural inclination is to foul at the rim. That’s why Minny gave up so much to get Rudy Gobert. The big Frenchman made up for the defensive sins of Karl, who is otherwise a scoring-savant.

(These are the days I’m especially grateful for all those years of the venerable Patrick Ewing.)

The solution does not appear to be on the roster. Early this season, back-up center Ariel Hukporti had us hyped enough at times to bandy about potential nicknames. Then he crashed back to Earth with some truly dud performances and a bagful of DNPs. I’m not entirely out on him, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of coaching up going on.

Guerschon Yabusele is not a center. Period. He may also not be a Knick . . . let me refresh my news feed.

So there’s KAT, Mitch, and Ariel on the depth chart. Those are your centers. Do you have faith in those guys landing the Larry O’Brien trophy? If so, you’re more generous than this writer.

A smart decision, from a basketball and business standpoint, would be to trade Robinson for a seven-footer by the February 5 deadline. He’s making $12.95 M this year and will likely hit the open market this summer as a UFA.

As for a trade: Who would want this oft-injured player who needs a new contract and plays limited games? And what big men are possibly available on the market before the deadline? Let’s ponder those topics with fresh eyes in another article. I just woke up at 4 a.m. with a burning desire to get this out of my system. Because: crazy.

Truly, I thought to unburden myself of this belief would be a relief (try saying that like Clyde, it’s fun). What I feel is bummed. There are numerous reasons, beyond basketball ability, to be fond of Mitch. The guy is a genuinely good egg; for starters, Google what he did for his grieving high school coach. In the locker room, his teammates seem to have enjoyed his jester personality (maybe with the exception of Randle). His is always the next jersey I will buy if I ever decide that I don’t have too many in the back of my closet already. Sure, his taste in music sucks. He still commits crimes on the free throw line. No one’s perfect. To see him leave New York will hurt the regions of my heart that have not yet hardened, and it will make the product even more bland. But if the Knicks are serious about raising another banner, it’s time to replace Mitch with a dependable, durable, and available center.

Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...me-for-ny-to-part-ways-with-mitchell-robinson

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Week Preview: Jan. 18-24, 2026

The New York Knicks (25*-17) are gearing up for a pivotal stretch of games this week, facing the Mavs in a MLK Day matchup at home, followed by a crosstown clash on Wednesday night, and finishing with a Saturday afternoon showdown. After dropping three straight, New York needs to regain some positive upward motion against a mix of rebuilding squads and Eastern Conference contenders. Let’s take a look at the schedule.

Mon, Jan. 19 vs. Mavericks (5:00 PM, NBC/Peacock)​

On MLK Day, the Knicks return home looking to halt a three-game slide against a Dallas team deep into a post–Luka Dončić rebuild. The Mavericks sit at 17–26 near the bottom of the West after lucking into the Number One pick and anointing Cooper Flagg as their future.

The Knicks edged Dallas 113–111 when the teams last met on Nov. 19, surviving poor free-throw shooting and a cold start from three behind Jalen Brunson’s 28 points and late heroics from Landry Shamet. Jason Kidd’s group still defends, but the offense ranks among the league’s worst. Dallas will again be shorthanded: Daniel Gafford, D’Angelo Russell, and P.J. Washington are out, Anthony Davis remains sidelined, and Flagg is a game-time decision.

The Knicks must win to avoid mental meltdowns across the tri-state area. Watch it on NBC.

Wed, Jan. 21 vs. Nets (7:30 PM, MSG)​

The crosstown rivalry is always hyped and often falls short of expectations.

The Brooklyn Nets have had a tough 2025-26 season so far, sitting near the bottom of the East. The rebuilding team clearly relies heavily on young talent and veterans like Michael Porter Jr. (leading scorer at almost 26 PPG), Nic Claxton, and Cam Thomas. Their January has been a mixed bag, with a comeback win and some close losses. They’ve lost eight of their last 10 (as of this writing), making them seem like an easy target for a Knicks win.

Watch it on MSG.

Sat, Jan. 24 at 76ers (3:00 PM, ABC)​

The prospect of a matinee in Philadelphia has me reaching for Tums. The Sixers’ size and starry offense, led by Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, demand respect. The Liberty Bells have compiled a solid record through mid-January, positioning them around the middle of the Eastern Conference pack. After a mixed start, the team has surged in January, fueled by Maxey’s MVP-caliber play (averaging around 28 PPG this month) and Embiid regaining form and confidence. With Edgecombe impressing in his debut season, plus contributions from Paul George and others, the Sixers boast a top-5 offense and defense in January. Despite recent narrow losses, they’re trending upward. You know they’ll be extra eager to defeat New York for the third time this season.

Watch it on ABC.

Go Knicks

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-game-previews/78152/knicks-week-preview-jan-18-24-2026

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Postgame: Scenes from NY forcing Leon’s hand

Our world needs heroes with the integrity of Martin Luther King, Jr. Let us all pay him homage today. The great ones deserve our respect.

Who didn’t deserve such reverence this evening? The Knicks (25*-18)! On the day that Jalen Brunson was minted as an All-Star starter, New York embarrassed itself against the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks (18-26). On national television, no less.

In the first half, the home team allowed 75 points—the most this season—and 50% three-point shooting by the league’s fourth-worst three-point shooters. After the largest halftime deficit at home in 11 years, and falling behind by 30, New York managed to cut the difference to 19 in the third quarter while Dallas caught its breath. Down 94-71 to start the fourth, the home team fell way behind again before reducing the deficit to 15, but couldn’t get any closer. Final score, 114-97.

Read it and weep, folks.

This was the game that forces Leon Rose’s hand. Mark my words: big trade coming in the next two weeks. How could the team president look at these results and, with confidence, call this is a championship-winning club? They’ve now had two four-game losing streaks over the last 11 games, interrupted by just two wins. Friction? Yes. Disappointed? Ditto.

T-Mac:

"I'm disappointed in the Knicks…you don't know who you are. There's some friction in this locker room that needs to be ironed out. This can't continue" pic.twitter.com/tpI2bJnYr5

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 19, 2026

Cooper Flagg, dealing with an ankle issue, suited up for his first NBA game at Madison Square Garden. No doubt he’ll always remember this rout. His Mavericks defend three-pointers well; they just don’t make them. Usually. Maybe they haven’t faced such an accommodating defense before! In the first quarter, New York’s half-hearted resistance allowed Dallas to make six of their ten longball attempts and to gently waltz to the cup. Really, you couldn’t ask for more gracious hosts. Meanwhile, the Knicks were firing blanks from deep, with every starter and two bench guys whiffing—a perfect 0-for-9. After a stanky first period, the Mavs were ahead, 31-22.

Q2, same poo. Landry Shamet misfired from beyond the arc to kick things off. Then Cooper Flagg skipped to the rim, and Dallas made two of their next four triple tries. If not for that offensive powerhouse Mitchell Robinson (10 points, nine boards, and a block in his first nine minutes), New York would be completely hopeless. The boo-birds who serenaded the Knicks in the fourth quarter of the last game didn’t wait so long this evening. They got an early start with a hearty Bronx cheer as the home team fell behind by 23 midway through the quarter.

Remember, Dallas is one of the absolute worst three-point shooting teams and was missing six rotational players. Playing against a full complement of Knicks, their lead reached 30. On national television! The score was 7,500-47.5 by intermission. Already Max Christie had a career-high six three-pointers before halftime. Naji Marshall and Cooper Flagg combined for 30 points. The Mavs had made 11-of-20 from downtown.

“Get back, look at the alley opp!”

Clyde Frazier is far more locked in than Mike Brown or any of the Knicks on the floor.

Low effort all around. pic.twitter.com/hkfIrKe63q

— All Rice (@thats_bb_suzyn) January 20, 2026

Mike Brown must have told the team something at halftime. Maybe a pep talk, maybe a lecture, or maybe a bawdy joke. Whatever he said, it was either a) useless or b) ignored. Either way, it’s a problem. Dallas continued to ride their horses over the Knicks early in the third frame. After falling behind by 30—again—the ‘Bockers chiseled the deficit to 19 with 3:30 remaining. Some fans held out hope that our heroes would still rally for the improbable victory. Others were less sanguine about their fate.

The third quarter is almost over and James Dolan has yet to return to his seat after halftime.

Knicks trail the Mavericks by 21.

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) January 19, 2026

By the end of the fourth, the score was 94-71. Karl-Anthony Towns was mostly focused on kicking Dwight Powell in the balls, but he and the Knicks managed a run to make the differential 15 with half a quarter left. Brunson tried to exhort his cohort into looking less like zombies. And failed. They tried fouling to stop the clock, but that backfired, too. Recognizing the hopelessness of the sitatuion, Coach Brown emptied the bench with 2:30 left, the Garden seats started to empty, and the eyes of the Knicks on the bench had never looked emptier.

Up Next​

Zeno is writing a recap. Poor bastard. As for the Knicks, they will host the Nets on Wednesday. Rest up, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...4-knicks-97-scenes-from-ny-forcing-leons-hand

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks vs. Mavericks, January 19, 2026

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Knicks (25*-17) return to Madison Square Garden looking to snap a three-game skid against a struggling Dallas Mavericks team (17-26). The Knicks edged the Mavs 113-111 in Dallas last November. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have been cleared to play, while hotshot rookie Cooper Flagg is listed as a game-time decision as of this writing.

Tip off is 5:00 p.m. EST on NBA/Peacock (and MSG). This is your game thread. This is Mavs Moneyball. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Embody kindness, gentle humans. And go Knicks!

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

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...me-thread-knicks-vs-mavericks-january-19-2026