Overview
- New York clinched its NBA Cup group with a 118-109 win over Milwaukee, powered by Jalen Brunson’s 37 points as Mike Brown pushed MVP talk for his point guard.
- Brown publicly took responsibility for limiting Josh Hart in fourth quarters earlier this month, calling the decision wrong and reaffirming Hart’s larger role.
- Hart has surged since rejoining the starters, posting 22-8-7 at Charlotte then 19 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists in 40 minutes while taking key defensive reps on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- With Anunoby (hamstring) and Shamet (shoulder) out, Brown is riding a smaller first unit of Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Hart and Miles McBride.
- Mitchell Robinson has shifted into a bench role that Brown praised for providing a strong interior spark as the Knicks extend their win streak to three.