Overview
- ESPN analyst Danny Green withdrew his preseason call that New York would win the East, saying the Knicks looked disconnected late in the season and could “self-implode.”
- Green said he has heard players are unhappy with first-year coach Mike Brown and frustrated by Jalen Brunson’s heavy usage, which he argued has limited touches for others.
- Green now predicts Boston will beat New York in the second round, a stance voiced as the Knicks opened the playoffs with a 113–102 Game 1 win over Atlanta led by Brunson’s 28 points and 7 assists.
- The New York Post noted the Knicks finished fourth on offense this season even as four starters other than Brunson saw declines in points and shot attempts, adding fuel to usage concerns.
- Heavy reported that betting sites rank New York fourth among Eastern Conference finalists and highlighted former Knick Charles Oakley’s view that players still seem unsure of their roles.