The Mike Brown era in New York started with a win, but it also came with an early test of his coaching philosophy.
The Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 119–111 on Wednesday night behind OG Anunoby’s 24 points and 14 rebounds and Jalen Brunson’s 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 and 11 as New York built a 17-point lead, lost it, then stormed back with a 14–0 run in the fourth quarter.
But while the box score tells one story, Brown’s rotation said another. The Knicks’ new head coach played 11 of his 13 active players — a sharp contrast to former coach Tom Thibodeau’s reputation for relying heavily on a tight core and running his starters long minutes.
A Shift in Culture
Whether intentional or not, Brown’s decision to go deep into his bench felt like a quiet statement. Thibodeau, fired despite leading New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, was often criticized for overworking his stars. Brown seems to be going in the opposite direction — emphasizing depth, balance, and team-wide involvement.
For one night, it worked. Players stayed fresh, the offense flowed, and the Knicks’ energy stayed high through most of the game. But the question now is whether such an approach is sustainable through an 82-game season.
Finding the Right Balance
New York’s 17-point lead didn’t hold. Donovan Mitchell erupted for 21 points in the third quarter — part of a 31-point night — as Cleveland briefly took control. Brown’s frequent substitutions may have disrupted rhythm and defensive chemistry, showing the thin line between depth and stability.
The Knicks ultimately regrouped, but Brown will have to fine-tune the balance between rest and rhythm. Playing everyone keeps morale high, but too much experimenting risks blowing leads — something no team with Championship expectations can afford.
Managing Minutes, Managing Egos
For Brown, the challenge won’t just be tactical. It’ll be cultural.
In today’s NBA, minutes management can become a sensitive issue. Some players want more time; others want their bodies protected. The key will be keeping everyone on board without the kind of locker room complaints that can reach management and derail momentum.