Karl-Anthony Towns on Knicks’ Fast Start Under Mike Brown: “We’re Still Learning, But We’re Winning”
A quarter of the way into the season, the New York Knicks are doing more than just answering preseason questions - they’re rewriting the narrative. With a new head coach in Mike Brown and a retooled offensive identity, the Knicks are 18-7 and headed to the NBA Cup Finals. It’s been a whirlwind start to the 2025-26 campaign, and at the center of it all is the evolving chemistry between Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and a coaching staff that’s hitting the right notes early.
After a 132-120 win over the Orlando Magic in the semifinal - powered by a blistering 40-point night from Brunson - Towns took a moment to reflect on what it’s been like adjusting to Brown’s system. His takeaway? Growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of winning.
“Very personable guy. Obviously likes to laugh,” Towns said of Brown. “We’re still learning, but winning games while learning is a testimony to this coaching staff and the guys in the locker room.”
That one quote captures the pulse of this Knicks team right now. They’re not a finished product - and they know it - but they’re stacking wins anyway. That’s the kind of balance that separates good teams from the ones with real staying power.
Mike Brown’s Immediate Impact
When the Knicks made the move to part ways with Tom Thibodeau and bring in Mike Brown back in July, there were plenty of raised eyebrows. Brown, who had just been let go by the Kings despite snapping Sacramento’s 16-year playoff drought in 2023, came to New York with a decorated résumé: four NBA titles as an assistant with Golden State and San Antonio, and two Coach of the Year awards on his own.
Now 25 games in, it’s clear why the Knicks made the call.
Brown has brought a fresh offensive philosophy to the Garden, and it’s already reshaping how this team plays. The Knicks are launching threes at a historic rate - literally. Their jump from 34.1 three-point attempts per game last season to 40.8 this year marks the largest year-over-year increase in NBA history.
And it’s not just volume for volume’s sake. The shots are coming in rhythm, within the flow of the offense, and from players who can knock them down.
Towns, in particular, has been a game-changer. His ability to stretch the floor as a true seven-footer has unlocked a new layer in New York’s offense.
Through 21 games, he’s averaging 22.7 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, doing damage both inside and out.
Then there’s Brunson, who continues to elevate his game as the engine of this team. His 28.3 points per game are a career-best, and his leadership on the floor has been instrumental in helping the Knicks navigate this transition period with confidence.
Together, Towns and Brunson have formed one of the most dynamic duos in the Eastern Conference - a blend of size, skill, and savvy that’s giving opposing defenses all kinds of problems.
Eyes on a Banner
Next up: a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. It’s not just a shot at early-season hardware - it’s a chance for the Knicks to hang a banner at Madison Square Garden, something that’s been a long time coming.
And while the Cup might not carry the weight of a Larry O’Brien Trophy, make no mistake - this game matters. It’s proof that what Brown is building in New York is already bearing fruit.
The system is working. The stars are thriving.
The team is winning.
Towns’ comments aren’t just about vibes - they’re rooted in what we’ve seen on the court. The Knicks are still piecing things together, but they’re doing it while stacking wins, and that’s not easy to pull off in this league.
This version of the Knicks isn’t just competitive - it’s dangerous. And if this is what they look like 25 games into the Mike Brown era, the rest of the East should be paying close attention.