Knicks head coach Mike Brown lauded his team’s defensive execution after New York ended a four-game skid with a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
“You got two guys that are a load in Kawhi and James. To have a team take 19 free throws and defend the way we did, you applaud all our guys,” Brown said. He highlighted OG Anunoby’s assignment on Kawhi Leonard, calling him “fantastic trying to be physical and challenging shots without fouling.”
Brown also praised Mikal Bridges and Jordan Clarkson for guarding James Harden. “Mikal did a heck of a job, and even Jordan switched on him for a bit. Trying to keep them off the free-throw line while being physical was fantastic,” he said.
Defensive player of the game, Miles McBride, received special mention. “Deuce had three or four deflections. There was a size disadvantage with James, but he did a great job on him,” Brown said.
Brown emphasized the team’s competitive spirit and effort on 50-50 balls. “Even at halftime, we told our team, ‘You guys are competing. We might be down, but keep it up.’ We got all four of the loose balls,” he said.
He praised Karl-Anthony Towns’ all-around performance, especially in the fourth quarter. “KAT’s a double-double machine. To get 11 rebounds and 20 points, including nine in the first four minutes of the fourth, that helped create separation,” Brown explained.
On offensive execution, Brown said, “We had 31 assists on 47 made buckets. We had to keep moving the basketball, and our guys can pass, dribble, and shoot. It showed tonight.”
Brown also highlighted Miles McBride’s defensive impact. “He gives everyone space, and when Kawhi was on him, he shot well. Defensively, he knows how to handle the pick-and-roll. He did a fantastic job,” Brown said.
He noted the bench’s contribution, particularly Guerschon Yabusele. “Yabu was huge. He was aggressive, helped on defense, and took strong drives to the rim, which boosted confidence for everyone,” Brown said.
Brown reflected on coaching growth over the season. “When we go through adversity, I embrace it because it helps me be better. The guys stay together, respond fantastically, and we got a win,” he said.
New York turned a 105-101 deficit into a 123-111 victory with a 24-7 run spanning the late third quarter into the fourth, led by 26 points from Jalen Brunson, 20 from Towns, and 20 from OG Anunoby. Miles McBride added 16 points off the bench.
The Knicks improve to 24-13, four games behind Eastern Conference leader Detroit, while the Clippers drop to 13-23. Both teams return to action Friday, with New York at Phoenix and Los Angeles hosting Brooklyn.
