Mike Brown said the New York Knicks handled the physical side of Game 4 well in their 114-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night at State Farm Arena, but he still wants more speed from his team on both ends.
“We talk about physicality on both ends of the floor and I thought our guys did a nice job with that,” Brown said.
The Knicks limited Atlanta’s transition game, which Brown said was a major goal against a team that likes to run. “One of the things Atlanta likes to do, they like to get out in transition and we did a pretty good job in defensive transition to hold a team like that to seven fast break points, that’s really good,” he said.
Brown was less satisfied with New York’s ball security in the second half, where the Knicks committed five turnovers. “Offensively, in the second half, we had five second half turnovers and that was big because they’re a team that turns you over and when they turn you over, they get out in transition,” he said.
Still, he liked the way New York moved the ball and created perimeter chances. “We talk about hitting the paint and spraying the basketball and our guys were good,” Brown said. “That meant they had 16 sprays. That’s the most we’ve had so far in these four games.”
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered one of the night’s biggest performances with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming the fourth Knicks player to post a playoff triple-double. Brown said the staff worked to place Towns in positions where he could create. “Just trying to find different ways to get KAT the ball,” he said. “Obviously one of the ways is playing through the elbow.”
He also highlighted Josh Hart’s defense, especially on ball pressure and disruption. “Josh was really good on the ball. Josh has got quick feet. He’s strong,” Brown said. “His defensive activity, especially when it comes to ball pressure, was fabulous tonight.”
Brown credited the Knicks’ supporting stars for covering stretches when Jalen Brunson struggled to score. “At the end of the day, that’s why it’s a team game,” he said. “If Jalen’s struggling to shoot it, he’s got to find other ways to help us win.”
That included screens, gravity and the double teams Brunson drew throughout the night. “They got to pay attention to him,” Brown said. “They sent double teams at him which gave other guys wide open looks.”
Jose Alvarado gave New York a lift off the bench with energy and two made threes, and Brown said his activity mattered. “No, he was huge,” Brown said. “What he did out on the floor for us gave us a huge lift, especially when Jalen was out.”
Brown closed with a reminder of the identity he wants New York to keep leaning on. “Yes,” he said of his preferred offensive flow. “If we can do those things, even if all five guys don’t touch it.”
