Knicks Hold Players-Only Meeting as Slide Continues: Brunson Steps Up, Hart Sounds Off
The Knicks are hitting a rough patch-and they know it.
After dropping nine of their last 11 games, New York is still clinging to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, but the gap is closing fast. Monday night’s blowout loss at home to an injury-riddled Dallas squad was the tipping point. It wasn’t just a bad game-it was a wake-up call.
That wake-up call came in the form of a players-only meeting, reportedly called by Jalen Brunson, who’s emerging not just as the Knicks’ offensive engine, but also as their emotional leader. According to sources, Brunson made it clear: this isn’t on the coaching staff. The responsibility falls squarely on the players to get things back on track.
It’s the kind of accountability you want to see from your star-especially after a performance where New York trailed by 28 at halftime and ultimately lost by 17. That’s not just a bad night. That’s a team searching for answers.
“We all need to do some soul searching,” Josh Hart said after the game. “Right now we’re playing embarrassing basketball.”
That’s a blunt assessment-and an honest one. The Knicks, once riding high with a 23-9 record and an NBA Cup title in their back pocket, suddenly look like a team that’s lost its identity.
The defense isn’t clicking. The offense is out of sync.
And the energy? It’s just not there right now.
But Brunson isn’t panicking. He’s been through enough to know that seasons have their ebbs and flows.
His message wasn’t about finger-pointing-it was about resetting the tone. And with the team still sitting at 25-18, there’s time to turn this around.
The Eastern Conference standings are tight, and with just a game-and-a-half separating them from the Cavaliers, the Knicks can’t afford to let this slide continue. The effort has to match the expectations. And if Brunson’s leadership and Hart’s honesty are any indication, this group knows what’s at stake.
Warriors Lose Jimmy Butler for the Season with Torn ACL
In a major blow to Golden State’s season, the Warriors confirmed that Jimmy Butler has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the year. The injury occurred during Monday’s game when Butler landed awkwardly on his right knee after contact while catching a pass. He was helped off the floor and couldn’t put weight on the leg.
Butler will undergo surgery, though the team has yet to announce a specific timeline for the procedure. Given the timing of the injury, the Warriors are not eligible for a disabled player exception, with the deadline to apply having passed on January 15.
This is a massive loss for a Warriors team trying to stay afloat in the Western Conference. Butler was averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 37 games-production that won’t be easy to replace, especially on both ends of the floor. His leadership, toughness, and playoff pedigree are irreplaceable intangibles for a team with championship aspirations.
Butler remains under contract through the 2026-27 season, so the focus now shifts to his recovery and long-term health. In the meantime, Golden State will have to adjust quickly-and find new ways to compete without one of their most impactful players.
Bulls Exploring Center Options Ahead of Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline fast approaching, Chicago is actively working the phones-and the frontcourt appears to be a priority.
The Bulls have begun exploring potential center options as they evaluate how to reshape their roster in the weeks ahead. While specifics remain fluid, the move signals a clear intent: Chicago is looking for help in the paint.
That’s no surprise given their current roster construction. As they continue to assess the market, names like Tre Jones and Coby White have also surfaced in trade discussions, suggesting the Bulls are open to retooling more than just the five spot.
The next few weeks will be telling. Whether Chicago opts for a full shakeup or a targeted upgrade, the Bulls are clearly not standing pat. With the Eastern Conference standings still wide open, even a marginal move could make a meaningful difference down the stretch.