Landry Shamet Delivers Defensive Spark as Knicks Reclaim Third Seed
The New York Knicks picked up a crucial win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, their second straight victory and one that nudged them back into sole possession of the Eastern Conference’s third seed. And while the box score won’t scream “breakout performance,” it was Landry Shamet’s gritty, timely contributions that helped set the tone - the kind of impact that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet but earns the trust of teammates and coaches alike.
Shamet knocked down three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc, but it was his work on the defensive end that stood out. Twice, he drew offensive fouls while fighting over screens - classic hustle plays that can swing momentum and frustrate opposing guards. Plays like those are a big reason why head coach Mike Brown consistently includes Shamet in his core rotation and views him as one of the eight most essential players on this roster.
A Coach’s Trust Earned Through Grit
Mike Brown hasn’t been shy about how much he values Shamet. Earlier this season, when the 28-year-old guard injured his shoulder in a game against Orlando, there was real concern about how long he’d be out - and what that might mean for his place on the team. Brown even joked that if it came down to waiving Shamet for salary cap reasons, he’d personally cover the contract just to keep him around.
Fortunately, Shamet returned much sooner than expected, and since then, he’s been proving Brown right.
Alongside Deuce McBride, Shamet has earned the distinction of being one of New York’s best on-ball defenders - a notable compliment considering the Knicks also roster Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, two wings with strong defensive reputations. While Bridges and Anunoby haven’t quite hit their stride this season, Shamet and McBride have stepped up, bringing a level of intensity and consistency that’s become infectious.
Setting the Tone with Effort
When you think of the Knicks’ defensive identity, names like Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson come to mind - Hart for his relentless motor and Robinson for his sheer physical dominance in the paint. But Shamet and McBride have quietly joined that group as tone-setters. They bring a brand of defensive effort that doesn’t just stop plays - it inspires teammates.
Anunoby, for all his tools - size, strength, IQ - isn’t a towering rim protector like Robinson, but he’s still a key part of the defensive puzzle. What sets Shamet, McBride, Hart, and Robinson apart is how consistently they lead by example. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, rotating on time, or taking a charge, they’re doing the little things that championship-caliber teams need from their role players.
From Roster Bubble to Rotation Mainstay
Shamet’s journey this season hasn’t been smooth. Last year, he opened the season in the rotation before a shoulder injury - the same shoulder, no less - derailed his campaign. Still, he managed to carve out a role in the Eastern Conference Finals after Tom Thibodeau adjusted the rotation in a 0-2 hole.
This past offseason, Shamet found himself on the roster bubble once again. It wasn’t until Malcolm Brogdon’s surprise retirement that a spot opened up without the Knicks needing to make a move. Since then, he’s made the most of his second chance.
In a season where the Knicks have sometimes struggled with consistency and questioned their own intensity, Shamet has become a symbol of the kind of grit and professionalism this team needs. He’s already earned the trust of his coach - and if he keeps this up, he’ll win over the Garden faithful in no time.