The New York Knicks faced major scrutiny after replacing Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown last offseason, but the move has paid off with the team now close to reaching its first NBA Finals since 1999.
The adjustment period was not immediate, especially for Karl-Anthony Towns, who admitted adapting to Brown’s system took time.
Following Game 3 in Cleveland, Towns praised the relationship that has developed between the players and coaching staff, saying both sides learned how to better understand and support one another throughout the season.
“With Mike, he had to learn us and adjust to us,” Towns said. “On the flip side, we had to do the same as well. Now, we are at a point where we are both working seamlessly. We understand each other’s language.
“He is getting the best from us and we are getting the best from him. I think that speaks to a season, especially a first season with a new coach and a new system and a new philosophy.
“It’s a testament to the players to do an amazing job coming together and showing that unity that made us special last year. But the coaching staff being receptive to the players and adjusting with us and finding the way to get the most out of us.”
Brown has also changed the Knicks’ rotation approach compared to Thibodeau’s heavy reliance on starters.
New York has built a stronger bench unit during the playoff run, with Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado joining Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson as reliable contributors.
Shamet also highlighted the chemistry inside the locker room, saying the group genuinely supports one another and embraces a “next man up” mentality that has strengthened the team throughout the postseason.
Knicks Notes: Brown, Towns, Shamet, Anunoby, Winning Streak https://t.co/ucdTbZEu03
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 25, 2026
