Mike Brown is not holding back after the Knicks’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. The head coach laid into his team, calling out a stark “lack of physicality throughout the ball game, and that’s the whole roster up and down” from the October 5th matchup in Philly.
The Physicality Problem
Brown wasn’t just talking general lack of effort, either. He specifically said the team “weren’t great on the ball physically and we weren’t great with our defensive positioning physically.” And get this: he made it clear some things are “coach talk” that they can clean up with film, but physicality? That’s on the players. “That they’ve gotta find individually, which will then turn into collectively, and that’s how you find minutes. That’s how you make the team.” Talk about a direct challenge right out of the gate! He finished that thought saying, “But the physicality, we have to do a better job of that from top to bottom.” No mincing words there.
Easy Buckets and Wild Threes
It wasn’t just the defense that got under Brown’s skin. He was heated about how easy the 76ers had it, too. “They got to wherever they wanted to when it comes to getting to their spots and getting good shots,” he said. The Knicks “didn’t contest, we didn’t rear-view challenge and we made the game easy for them.” Worse, they were giving up offensive rebounds like candy. Brown mentioned, “We just turned and took a step to the rim and they came right over our back and got the offensive rebound, so that I’m concerned about and I don’t want to see happen.” And for the shot selection? Brace yourselves. Brown said, “I don’t care if we go 0 for 40. We took 41 and 33 of those [threes] weren’t sprays. And that’s not how we play.” Forty-one three-pointers, and only eight of them were “sprays”? Yikes.
Brunson’s Process, Brown’s Surprise
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is keeping things focused on the process side of preseason. He puts “a good amount” of stock in the opener, but for him, it’s all about “process-driven and making sure the details are there and doing all the right things.” He’s not super worried about the final score right now, saying “results-based not so much. Obviously we want to win but make sure the process is right.” Elsewhere, Bruce Brown is apparently “very surprised” to be dealing with a “different kind of second apron battle” when “navigating free age.” Over on “The Putback with Ian Begley”, Ian, joined by Monica McNutt, made a call on a key roster spot, stating, “I think that the safest play is Drew Eubanks.” Seems like some interesting conversations are already buzzing around the team.
The Knicks are set to host the Wiz Kiz on Thursday, and you can bet every player is going to be thinking about Mike Brown’s message. This isn’t just a coach complaining; this is a clear directive on what it’s going to take to earn minutes and contribute this season. You’ve gotta wonder how they respond to such a direct challenge on their effort and approach.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
Leave a Reply