Knicks leaning on chemistry, continuity in NBA title defense: We need each other
The on-court breakthrough was born off the court.The Knicks hit another gear during the postseason last year, particularly after falling to a 2-1 series deficit to the Hawks in the first round.So much has been written and said about how the Knicks subsequently pivoted to an offensive system that featured Karl-Anthony Towns as a “hub” and facilitator at the elbows, a decision that sparked one of the most dominant championship runs in NBA history.That decision was a result of an openness within the coaching staff and locker room for dialogue and change.
Towns told Mike Brown and his assistants that he wanted the team to give him a chance at the new role.Assistant Chris Jent, who is in charge of the Knicks offense, was also involved, pushing for the Towns-centric system.Collaboration and the willingness to try new things were major considerations during the coaching search ahead of last year, which resulted in Brown taking over.
And it’s hard to argue that it didn’t play a significant role in the championship run.The Knicks’ effectiveness in communicating with each other during the playoffs helped fuel their championship.“I think as a group,” Jalen Brunson said, “we figured out that we need each other to win, obviously, and we need each other to be on the same page.”The early adversity is hard to remember considering the Knicks won 13 of their last 14 games — many in blowout fashion.But there was a time, after three games in the first round, when it was DEFCON 1 around the team.It tested their mettle, but they came together and brought out the best in each other.
It’s why Brown actually wants more hard times.“A lot of people tend to shy away from adversity,” Brown said.“And especially early on, because you get scrutinized, and sometimes it can be tough dealing with that.
I actually, I yearn for it.I yearn for it early, because I want to make sure that not only myself, but we as a group can handle it.“And early on, especially when you ...