New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown addressed the team’s defensive struggles following Monday night’s 114-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden. “Bottom line is we got to lock in. We got to do our job for 48 minutes,” Brown said, reflecting on a first half in which Dallas scored 75 points.
Brown pinpointed three critical areas of concern. “They scored 28 points in the paint the first half. We got to put our chest on the ball and stop it from getting downhill, which we did in the second half. They had 27 fast break points in the first half. Seven in the second. And their hot guys were nine for 11 from three in the first half. In the second half, three for six,” he explained.
The coach emphasized accountability over tactical adjustments. “No X’s and O’s. Just do your job, play with physicality. The second half they scored 39 points. The whole second half, we did what we were supposed to do,” Brown said.
Brown acknowledged the frustration of a veteran roster struggling early. “It’s frustrating to every person in that locker room. We all can’t get it back by thinking we’re going to score or get a certain number of shots. We have to embrace doing the little things,” he said.
Despite the loss, Brown expressed confidence in his players. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I believe in everybody in that locker room. I feel they believe in each other too. We’re going through it. We got to figure out how to get out of it,” he added.
The Knicks’ offensive rhythm was disrupted by Dallas’ pace and shooting. “Offensively, shots that normally go in from the right people didn’t go in. We lost the ball more than I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” Brown said.
On individual contributions, Brown mentioned Josh Hart. “I thought Josh was fine. Obviously, picking up and getting into foul trouble. He tried to bring a level of physicality, stepped up, took the right shots, and made a few in the second half,” he noted.
Brown also discussed rotation strategies. “Different combinations we haven’t had this year. My biggest goal is a range of minutes for guys. With these eight and a half to nine guys, it’s hard to get them to that range by playing many more guys,” he said.
The Knicks, now 25-18, will continue their homestand Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets, facing the challenge of regaining consistency after their fourth straight loss. Brown concluded, “We have to lock in. Do our job for 48 minutes. Doesn’t matter who’s in the uniform in front of you.”
