In the relentless grind of the NBA season, finding time to fine-tune strategies is a luxury. So when the Knicks had a rare chance to practice at game speed in Tarrytown, they seized it with intent. With just 12 games left in the regular season, and playoff aspirations running high, the team is shifting focus from building their identity to honing their execution.
The emphasis is on those critical moments that can decide a game. "Down two, up two, that type of stuff," explained head coach Mike Brown. These "special situations" are crucial, even for a squad led by the league’s reigning Clutch Player of the Year.
While Brown has addressed the Knicks’ tendency for slow starts in his inaugural season, late-game execution has also been under the microscope. Despite Jalen Brunson’s prowess in closing games, the numbers tell a story of adjustment.
Clutch time in the NBA is defined as the last five minutes of a game within five points. Brunson, who led clutch scoring last season, now ranks 24th, averaging just over three points per game. His shooting efficiency in these moments has also dipped from 51.5% to 42.6%.
This decline isn’t isolated. It’s part of a broader offensive strategy that spreads the playmaking responsibilities. As a result, Brunson’s role in crunch time has evolved, impacting how the Knicks close out games.
Interestingly, the Knicks haven’t found themselves in clutch situations as frequently this season. They rank in the bottom six for total clutch minutes played, yet boast a strong clutch net rating, outscoring opponents by 17.8 points per 100 possessions, with a 17-12 record in such games.
While they’ve been efficient, they haven’t been as battle-tested as some of their peers. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs lead the league in clutch victories, while the Los Angeles Lakers have the best win percentage in these tight contests.
The Knicks are tied for 13th with the Denver Nuggets in clutch wins, while even the Boston Celtics, a top team in the East, have a losing record in these scenarios.
Brown’s decision to simulate these high-pressure moments in practice is strategic, ensuring the team is prepared when the stakes are highest. “It was good,” said Jose Alvarado. “Working on situations like that prepares us for anything.”
In other news, Brown expressed his well-wishes for Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, who is sidelined with a collapsed lung. “The biggest thing is you wish him a speedy recovery,” Brown said, highlighting the human side of the sport.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson provided little update on his neck injury but assured he felt good after Thursday’s practice.
As the Knicks prepared to face the Brooklyn Nets, a potential 15th straight win in the rivalry was on the line. But for Brunson, the focus remained solely on the game.
“No comment. We’re gonna focus on winning the game then moving on from there,” he said, emphasizing the team’s mindset over any streaks or rivalries.