Landry Shamet addressed the media on Monday, June 1, as the New York Knicks prepare for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, repeating a central theme throughout his press conference.
“Yeah, I mean, there’s been obviously, you mentioned it. There’s been a lot that’s gone on and this has been a special run. But I think the main thing is I’m trying to obviously not take any of it for granted or miss out on any of it. But keep the main thing the main thing and stay focused on one win at a time, one game at a time.”
Shamet expanded on maintaining focus during the extended break between series and emphasized continuity in preparation.
“So, you know, staying with our principles and focusing on the little things and building up to try to go win Game 1.”
He also pointed to New York’s consistency in handling preparation periods during the playoffs.
“I think, like I said, just staying focused on – we can’t control the break. Can’t control, you know, even at this point, whatever the problems you mentioned in the past, like all that stuff’s behind us and the reality is, you know, our job at hand right now is, you know, making sure our bodies are right, making sure our minds are right, making sure we’re paying attention to details.”
Shamet continued to stress process over external narratives and outcomes.
“I think that’s a byproduct that’s on the back end, and that’s really for other people to decide whether or not they’re surprised or not. I’m a process and principles guy, and try to just stick with what I can control.”
He added further clarity on avoiding distraction ahead of the series opener in San Antonio.
“So, if you focus on, you know, the tangible things you can control, and that’s what I’ve always tried to do and prided myself on, outcomes will be outcomes, good or bad.”
Looking ahead to the matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ frontcourt structure, Shamet acknowledged the tactical importance of Karl-Anthony Towns’ spacing.
“Yeah, I mean, you know, they’re a smart group, and they’re not going to just match up that way the entirety of the game. We know that. Every team’s going to play the game, mess with match-ups and whatnot, and obviously Karl’s shooting is something that anybody has to honor, and that changes the game plan entirely.”
He also described how New York’s offensive actions create multiple layers of decision-making for defenses.
“A pick and roll with Jalen and KAT with a versatile shooting big who can also roll and make plays in the pocket or you you know as well as he’s been passing the ball and facilitating. I mean I could go on and on about what KAT brings to us.”
Shamet concluded by reinforcing the team’s mindset around roles, rotation trust, and collective execution heading into the series opener.
“We have a mature group and a group that, you know, truly, I’ve said this in the past, that like truly roots for each other. It’s easy to have ulterior motives creep into a locker room and, you know, some people get bitter about their minutes or their minutes going to somebody else, whatever the case may be.”
He added on bench cohesion and internal trust.
“So, that whole next man up thing has been really cool, especially from our bench unit I can speak to. And obviously you get that from your starters. They love having been a starter in the past too.”
