Jalen Brunson didn’t miss the chance to needle Josh Hart after the Knicks’ latest loss, turning Hart’s fatigue comments into an easy punchline.
Following New York’s 98-93 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Brunson was asked about Hart saying the team was already feeling the wear and tear just six games into the 2026-27 season. Brunson kept it light and went straight at his teammate’s age.
“Josh said he feels the fatigue? Well, Josh is old as s-t, so,” Brunson told reporters.
Jalen Brunson was asked about the Knicks' fatigue six games into the season:
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) October 31, 2026
"Josh said he feels the fatigue? Well Josh is old as s--t" https://t.co/Jx19QjbPAl pic.twitter.com/LQrRmcT4rZ
Hart had spoken earlier about how the Knicks are battling through physical strain after a demanding stretch that ended with last season stretching into June, cutting into their offseason compared with other teams. He said the mental side is there, but the body is lagging behind.
“We all feel the fatigue, but we have to fight through it. Six games in, we have to make sure we get our bodies ready to play every day,” Hart earlier said.
“I think mentally, we're there. We just got to find it physically.”
Hart is also managing a finger injury that can’t be surgically repaired until after he retires, but he’s stayed on the floor as New York looks for some rhythm early on.
The loss in Philadelphia dropped the defending champions to 2-4. The Knicks opened the year 0-3 after lifting their championship banner, then bounced back with wins over the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls before falling again. They’ve now lost twice to the 76ers this season.
In Other News...
Knicks Already Have An OG Anunoby Problem They Cant Ignore
OG Anunobys expanded offensive workload has become one of the Knicks more interesting early-season storylines. With more touches and more drives per game, the team has clearly tried to get him involved in ways that go beyond spot-up scoring, but the results have not been as clean as the role change might suggest. His efficiency has slipped, and the Knicks have had to weigh the value of pushing him into more creation against what he does best when the game is simplified.
The bigger concern is how the offensive burden is spilling into the rest of his game. When Anunoby is fighting through tough possessions on one end, it has shown up in his defensive impact and in the teams net rating with him on the floor. For a player whose value is built on being a high-level two-way connector, the Knicks may already be learning that there is a limit to how much primary creation his skill set can realistically absorb. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Starters Suddenly Under Pressure After Another Loss To Philadelphia
The Knicks uneven start took another hit in Philadelphia, where a loss to the 76ers dropped them to 2-4 and kept the early-season questions coming. There were a few encouraging individual signs in the defeat, though, with Jordan Clarkson giving New York a lift off the bench thanks to his defensive work in his minutes and Mikal Bridges turning in a promising showing even as the team came up short.
The bigger concern sits with the starting group, which still has not found a clean rhythm. OG Anunoby struggled with his decision-making and efficiency, while Jalen Brunson had a tough night against the pressure Philadelphia put on him, leaving the Knicks with more to sort through as they try to steady themselves before the schedule gets any less demanding. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Face A New Problem In Their Backup Center Search
Chet Holmgrens expected absence for eight to 10 weeks has already changed the market for big men, and it could create an unwanted ripple effect for the Knicks. With the Thunder now considering adding another frontcourt body to cover for Holmgrens patellar tendon tear in his right knee, one of the leagues more aggressive and better-equipped teams may soon be shopping in the same lane New York has been eyeing.
For the Knicks, the timing is awkward. They have been looking for help behind their center rotation, but Oklahoma City has more assets and salary cap flexibility, which gives it a clear edge in any backup big man chase. If the Thunder decide to move quickly, New York may find itself competing not just for available size, but for whatever is left after a team with deeper pockets and more trade ammunition gets involved. [Read more 🡒]
