Topic / Subject

A DailyKnicks column says Mike Brown’s biggest Knicks job as the playoffs get closer is simple: stop Karl-Anthony Towns from disappearing for long stretches.

TL;DR

DailyKnicks argues the Knicks’ offense looks better under Mike Brown, but New York’s ceiling still depends on getting consistent, high-impact KAT nights alongside Jalen Brunson, especially in big moments.

Key Details

DailyKnicks frames Brown’s “tenure-defining” task as unlocking Towns’ consistent offensive imprint as the postseason nears. The piece points to Towns’ 2025-26 output being lower than his usual standards, including 20.0 points per game through 55 games (per DailyKnicks). DailyKnicks uses recent losses, including Cleveland, as examples of games where Towns didn’t feel dominant enough for a deep run. ESPN’s Cavs recap is the backdrop: New York’s offense cratered in the second half, including an 11-point third quarter.

Breakdown

This is less “panic button” and more “playoff math.” Brunson can carry a ton, but the Knicks don’t become truly scary unless Towns is a reliable problem every night, especially when defenses tighten up.

DailyKnicks’ core argument is that Brown has already improved the overall structure, but the next leap is role clarity and usage consistency for Towns. Not just “get him touches,” but get him touches in the right spots, at the right times, and keep him involved when the game turns into a grind.

The tricky part: this is analysis, not sourced reporting of internal team concern. But it’s also the exact kind of question playoff opponents will test immediately, because taking away your second star is the easiest way to cap your ceiling.

What to Watch Next

Whether Towns’ touches change in key stretches (early third quarter, late-game sets, post-timeout actions). If Brown staggers lineups to keep a Towns-led attack afloat when Brunson sits. Whether Towns’ “bad stretches” shrink as the schedule tightens.

Sources

DailyKnicks — “Mike Brown’s tenure with the Knicks will be defined by solving their biggest problem”

ESPN — “Cavaliers pull away in second half for 109-94 victory over Knicks”

Reuters — “Knicks make it official, hire Mike Brown as head coach”

Comment

What’s the one change you’d make to keep KAT involved late, more post touches, more pick-and-pop, or a different closing lineup?