Overview
- Brunson has averaged 37.8 minutes over the past five games, the highest in the NBA in that span, while his shooting dipped to 40% from the field and 33% from three.
- Alvarado went scoreless in back-to-back losses to the Clippers and Lakers and is 0-for-10 from three over his last five games, triggering a cut in his minutes.
- Coach Mike Brown briefly turned to Tyler Kolek and has reused Jordan Clarkson in search of offense, with Brown saying he tried Kolek because Alvarado was struggling.
- Analysts have floated Kolek for renewed minutes after limited flashes, noting a small-sample lineup with Hart, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns posting a 38.3 net rating.
- Miles McBride remains out following hernia surgery and has no return timeline, as New York navigates an offensive lull that included poor shooting versus the Lakers and 20 turnovers against the Clippers, with a softer schedule up next.