LeBron James believes the New York Knicks’ offensive changes under first-year head coach Mike Brown played a major role in the team’s run to the 2026 NBA championship.
Speaking during a live recording of the Mind the Game podcast at Fanatics Fest, James said the Knicks became much more difficult to defend after moving away from relying almost exclusively on Jalen Brunson.
“I think they diversified their offensive portfolio. It was a lot of Jalen Brunson picks and rolls last year, and it allowed the defense to kind of key in on him,” James began during a live recording of his “Mind the Game” podcast at Fanatics Fest.
“I think what Mike Brown brought in was the little pinch post to get the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns in the pinch post area, or at the top of the key, and let him be in the hub. And yes, at the end of the day, it would still get to Jalen Brunson, but it didn’t allow you to just sit on one action.”
The Knicks recovered from a 2-1 deficit against Atlanta in the first round before sweeping the 76ers and Cavaliers and defeating the Spurs in five games to win their first NBA title since 1973.
James also praised the team’s supporting cast.
“We know the glue guys like [Jose] Alvarado, Josh Hart, and Mikail Bridges, but obviously the unsung hero of the whole finals run was OG Anunoby,” he said.
James also pointed out that New York posted the best playoff point differential in NBA history during its championship campaign.
LeBron James marvels at way Knicks won championship as he figures out next team to dethrone them https://t.co/wgl4dYIF49 pic.twitter.com/U42TH2tAes
— New York Post (@nypost) July 17, 2026
