Jalen Brunson Adjusts to New Knicks Offense Under Coach Mike Brown

NEW YORK, NY — Jalen Brunson‘s offensive role with the New York Knicks has quickly shifted under new head coach Mike Brown, as seen in their recent game at Madison Square Garden. Brunson scored 23 points but struggled with his shooting, going 5-for-18 overall and just 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.

The numbers tell a different story about his play style. Seven of Brunson’s nine three-point attempts were catch-and-shoot opportunities, marking the highest in any single game during his time with the Knicks. Only 10 of his 18 field-goal attempts were considered “self-created,” the lowest in games where he took at least 15 shots.

“It’s all about finding the right thing at the right time and reading each other and making plays,” Brunson said. “Regardless of who is bringing it up, everyone is still a threat to be aggressive.” Coach Brown aims to ease Brunson’s workload, encouraging him to move off the ball more frequently. He implemented a strategy allowing players like Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride to bring the ball up court.

The Knicks exemplified this approach during their opening possession when Karl-Anthony Towns, who faced a double team, passed to Brunson for an open 3-pointer that he successfully drilled. “J.B. can play anywhere on the court,” Bridges stated. “Everyone on our team is talented and can do a lot of things.”

Despite a focus on Brunson, other team statistics indicate Brown’s desire for a faster pace and efficient ball movement. The Knicks had 105 offensive possessions compared to last year’s average of 97.64. They recorded 283 passes, with a notable increase in secondary assists, signifying growth in quick ball movement leading to easy buckets.

As the Knicks enter the 2025-26 season, Brunson understands the challenges ahead. “I think we have a long way to go to be back to where we want to be. It’s like a whole new journey,” he said on his podcast. The Knicks, who made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, are aiming to improve day by day with a new regime and new strategies.

With coach Brown stepping in for Tom Thibodeau, the core roster remains unchanged, fostering continuity. However, injuries to key players such as Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson raise concerns for the Knicks as they seek to navigate the season and potentially secure a long-awaited championship.

This season’s opener poses another test, with the team missing several contributors, yet Brunson remains optimistic about the Knicks’ ability to adapt and grow. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as they work to build towards their ultimate goal of competing for an NBA title.

As the Knicks move forward, under Brown’s new vision, fans are hopeful that this era can finally lead to the franchise’s first championship since 1973.