Knicks Dominate Glass in Win Over Raptors as Mike Brown’s Identity Begins to Take Shape
The New York Knicks may have a new voice on the sidelines, but their identity? That’s still rooted in grit, grind, and relentless effort-especially on the offensive glass.
In Sunday night’s 116-94 win over the Toronto Raptors, that identity was on full display inside Madison Square Garden. The Knicks didn’t just beat the Raptors-they overwhelmed them with second-chance opportunities and sheer physicality.
Let’s start with the numbers. New York pulled down a staggering 61 rebounds to Toronto’s 40.
But the real story came on the offensive boards, where the Knicks hauled in 25-yes, 25-compared to the Raptors’ 14. That kind of advantage isn’t just a stat line; it’s a statement.
Mitchell Robinson, in just 17 minutes of action, led the charge with seven offensive rebounds. That’s the kind of effort Knicks fans have come to expect from the big man, who continues to be one of the most impactful rebounders in the league when he’s healthy.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. All five starters grabbed at least two offensive boards, a testament to the team-wide commitment to crashing the glass.
After the game, head coach Mike Brown didn’t mince words about what that kind of effort means to this team.
“Our team does a fantastic job on the offensive glass. That’s beautiful to see,” Brown said. “25 offensive rebounds for the 22 second-chance points: that’s who we are... we have to continue attacking the glass relentlessly so we can get second opportunities because it turns into points, a lot of points, for us.”
It’s a message that resonates with Knicks fans because it echoes what they’ve seen for years-this team wins with effort, toughness, and a blue-collar approach. Even with a new coach and a tweaked offensive system, that DNA hasn’t changed.
Brown has brought in a more motion-based, read-and-react offense, a shift from the more rigid structure of the Tom Thibodeau era. It’s a system designed to create flow and unpredictability, and it’s already starting to show signs of promise. But what’s clear is that Brown isn’t trying to erase the Knicks’ identity-he’s building on it.
Jalen Brunson remains the engine, directing traffic and setting the tone with his poise and competitive fire. Robinson continues to anchor the paint, not just as a shot-blocker but as a second-chance machine. These are the guys who carry over the heart and hustle from previous seasons, and they’re thriving in the new system.
This win marked the Knicks’ 10th victory at home in just 11 tries-a sign that MSG is once again becoming a fortress. And while the long-term success of this coaching change will ultimately be judged in the postseason, nights like this show that the foundation is solid.
The Knicks aren’t just grabbing offensive rebounds-they’re grabbing hold of who they are. And under Mike Brown, that identity is starting to look a lot like the best of the old Knicks, just with a fresh coat of paint.