New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown pointed to interior defense and late-game execution as the key issues after Game 2 of the first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
“We just got to keep trying to move them around and give him different looks throughout the course of the game,” Brown said during Wednesday’s practice session on April 22, ahead of Game 3.
Brown emphasized defensive variation against Atlanta’s primary creators. “Defensively, we’ve done a decent job of mixing the matchups. He’s guarded Jalen, Daniels, CJ, Alexander-Walker,” he said, referencing the Hawks’ perimeter rotation.
End-of-game adjustments also remain a focal point for New York’s staff. “At the end of the game, what they’re going to do… they’re going to bring Jalen up into a pick-and-roll, and we just got to make sure we keep giving them different looks,” Brown said.
The Knicks coach stressed that responsibility is shared across the organization. “The conversation is always open. I’m a full believer in giving not just the players but my coaches ownership,” he said.
Brown expanded on that philosophy with a leadership comparison. “You have to give hope but define reality,” he said, referencing Kenneth Chenault as an influence on his approach.
New York’s Game 2 loss was heavily tied to defensive breakdowns in the paint. “We gave up a lot of paint points. I think we gave up 42 points in the paint in the second half,” Brown said. “That’s the worst of the year for us.”
He described the second-half collapse as a physical turning point in the series. “They hit us in the mouth in that second half, not just the fourth quarter,” he said.
Execution on both ends was also addressed, with Brown taking responsibility for late-game decisions. “We didn’t execute well offensively,” he said. “I didn’t mix it up enough offensively down the stretch.”
Defensive structure, however, was not entirely dismissed. “You can see it on film. Our guys saw on film that we didn’t execute our defense,” Brown said.
Despite the loss, Brown reinforced belief in the group’s ability to adjust. “When you lose, you tend to feel it… but our group is resilient,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of playoff experience and response. “You got to figure out how to win on the road if you expect to be who you are,” Brown said.
The Knicks coach kept the focus on adaptability heading into Game 3. “When you’re in the playoffs, everything should be on the table,” he said.
Brown also highlighted the learning process within the team environment. “The dialogue is always open,” he said. “Anything is open to discussion offensively and defensively.”
As the series shifts momentum, New York’s message remains centered on correction rather than reaction. “These are seven-game series for a reason,” Brown said. “We have to respond.”
