Overview

• Mike Brown said starters and key rotation players will play into the second half on Thursday after no starter topped 18 minutes in the Abu Dhabi games.
• Jalen Brunson described himself as comfortable yet still adjusting, and Brown said he is starting to adapt after a 14-point bounce-back following a 2-for-8 opener.
• Brown is installing a reaction-based attack built on speed and spacing, targeting 17–18 drive-and-kick sprays per game and a higher three-point volume when created from quality looks.
• OG Anunoby returned for Game 2 and scored 13 points, while Josh Hart is day-to-day with lower back spasms after missing the second game.
• Rotation signals continue to emerge, with media reports indicating Mitchell Robinson appears penciled in as the opening-night starter and Brown noting Karl-Anthony Towns and Guerschon Yabusele face the steepest learning curve toggling between the four and five.