Knicks Coach Mike Brown Prioritizes Player Execution Over Preseason Wins
Head coach Mike Brown is intentionally keeping the Knicks' offense 'real generic' in preseason games to test his players' ability to execute under pressure, aiming to build a stronger foundation for the regular season.
The New York Knicks have lost their third consecutive preseason game, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-104 on Monday at Madison Square Garden. Despite the string of losses, head coach Mike Brown stated he is deliberately simplifying the team's offensive strategy to evaluate his players' execution and decision-making capabilities.
"The truth of the matter is I’m kind of hamstringing our guys offensively," Brown explained. "Real generic with what we’re running offensively because I want to see if they can execute when a team gets rhythm and they start denying or putting pressure on us because they know what’s coming. Can we execute our counters? Can we still get to our spots offensively and execute our actions? Can we play fast doing it? Those are little things I’m looking at offensively."
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 20 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range. The starting unit played approximately half the game, with Minnesota's Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points and Jaden McDaniels adding 22, including nine three-pointers between them.
The Knicks have been outscored by a total of 43 points across their preseason games thus far. However, Brown expressed a focus on the developmental process rather than the immediate outcomes.
"For me, it’s more about the process, not necessarily the end result. … Defensively, are we making sure we’re playing with next-play speed? And, for the most part, I thought we did," Brown said. "We had some breakdowns execution-wise in terms of what our assignments were, but those things can be cleaned up in time. We’ll keep watching film and keep drilling it and all that other stuff."
From the bench, Tony Bradley contributed 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting, and Pacôme Dadiet added seven points, making 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
None of the team's starters are expected to participate in Tuesday's game against Toronto, which marks the second game of a back-to-back schedule. Brown indicated that individual players will determine if they wish to travel for the game.
Several starters opted not to speak with reporters following Monday's game. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves also declined to be interviewed postgame.