Knicks coach Mike Brown’s willingness to experiment with his lineups has paid off in a major way, particularly as the team continues to navigate injuries, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Several young and relatively untested players – including Tyler Kolek, Kevin McCullar Jr., and Mohamed Diawara – have delivered standout performances recently, helping swing games in the Knicks’ favor.
Their emergence hasn’t been accidental, as players credit Brown’s flexibility and openness for creating an environment where everyone feels prepared and empowered.
Mikal Bridges explained that knowing opportunities can come at any moment changes the energy throughout the roster.
“Knowing that you’re flowing, playing, now it gives you even more energy, because now you’re like, you feel like you contribute, whatever, knowing you might get called,” Bridges said.
He added that the collective mindset has shifted, especially during momentum swings.
“So, it’s just a different energy for the bench and especially when we make runs and stuff, if there’s 10 guys that play, nine guys that play, everybody is so juiced up.”
Even brief appearances matter, as he noted, “If (you) played three minutes, if (you) played four minutes just as that low man to help blitz – you did something.”
Entering the season, the Knicks’ bench was viewed as a potential weak spot. However, internal development from players like Kolek, combined with Brown’s constant adjustments, has helped turn that perceived weakness into a source of stability.
Landry Shamet is making progress toward a return, plus more on the Knicks. https://t.co/xp9epgQMxX
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 1, 2026
