Mike Brown, New York Knicks
Mike Brown, New York Knicks
On paper, the New York Knicks’ March 20 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets should’ve been a cakewalk.
Entering the game, the Knicks held a 45-25 record. They are a top-three team in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets are known to be one of the East’s rebuilding squads. Whether they are actively tanking or not is unknown, but they are surely in a position to land favorable lottery odds this spring.
The Knicks managed to come away with a victory in Brooklyn, New York, but it was far from pretty. A win is a win, but the Knicks aren’t kidding themselves over that matchup.
In fact, Knicks head coach Mike Brown went as far as telling reporters that he was simply out-coached—and his team was out-played.
Knicks’ Mike Brown Makes Shocking Admission After Nets Game
Jalen Brunson, Tyus Jones, Knicks
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action against Tyus Jones #2 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks won 106-100. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
via Kristian Winfield, NY Daily News: Mike Brown says the Nets were extremely physically from the start of the game and it impacted the Knicks.
“Jordi [Fernandez] out-coached me, and they outplayed us…… but our guys somehow found a way to get a win tonight.”
Kristian Winfield
Mike Brown says the Nets were extremely physically from the start of the game and it impacted the Knicks.
“Jordi [Fernandez] out-coached me, and they outplayed us…… but our guys somehow found a way to get a win tonight.”
The Knicks defeated the Nets 93-92.
Despite being questionable heading into the game, Karl-Anthony Towns suited up and checked in for 29 minutes. He shot 7-16 from the field and went 11-13 from the charity stripe. Towns scored 26 points. He produced a double-double with 15 rebounds. Defensively, he came up with one steal.
As for the star guard Jalen Brunson, he returned to the court after missing the Knicks’ previous game. Brunson is dealing with multiple ailments, but he managed to practice on Thursday morning, before getting cleared to return to the lineup on Friday night.
In 41 minutes, Brunson shot 7-19 from the field. He made just one of his six shots from beyond the arc. Brunson finished the game with 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and three turnovers.
What’s Next For The Knicks?
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Mike Brown’s team might not feel great about getting out-played, but that doesn’t erase the fact that the Knicks are winners of five games in a row. They’ve won seven of their last 10 outings.
The Knicks are 46-25 after Friday’s slate. They continue to own the third seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 2.5-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks are trailing the Boston Celtics by 1.5 games for the third seed, while the Detroit Pistons continue to keep first place with a four-point cushion against Boston.
New York’s next two games fall under the same trap-game category as Friday’s. On Sunday, March 22, the Knicks will host the Washington Wizards. Following the game against the Wizards, the Knicks will welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to town. Both teams are out of the Play-In picture in their respective conferences.