A New Energy at the Garden: What the Knicks Preseason Really Revealed
The New York Knicks just wrapped up a preseason that gave fans plenty to talk about. From flashes of brilliance to frustrating lapses, this team showed exactly what it means to be a work in progress under new head coach Mike Brown. His vision of faster tempo and relentless energy has started to take shape, giving the Knicks a different look compared to last season. In their best moments, they moved with purpose, played unselfishly, and showed the kind of defensive focus that could define their identity. Yet in their worst stretches, the same issues that haunted them before. Turnovers, streaky shooting, and miscommunication reappeared at just the wrong times.
Brown’s approach has clearly changed the tone around this team. He preaches urgency and accountability, drawing inspiration from unlikely places like D.K. Metcalf’s famous chase-down tackle, using it as a symbol of effort and commitment. The Knicks are trying to build that same mentality into every play, sprinting back on defense and moving the ball faster on offense. It is no longer about individual moments of greatness, but about sustaining intensity from tip-off to the final buzzer. Early results suggest the message is sinking in, even if consistency remains the next big hurdle.
The preseason was also a showcase for the Knicks’ depth, and several players made strong impressions. Young forward Mohamed Diawara showed flashes of what he could become, bringing athleticism and hustle in his limited minutes. Landry Shamet, who secured the final roster spot, proved he can provide reliable shooting and spacing that fit perfectly into Brown’s offense. With Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement shaking up the backcourt rotation, players like Miles McBride and others stepped up with confidence and composure. These performances gave the coaching staff a clearer picture of how the bench could support the stars once the regular season begins.
For the core players, the preseason offered both reassurance and reminders. Mikal Bridges looked sharp defensively, setting the tone with his energy and communication, while Karl-Anthony Towns showed flashes of chemistry with Jalen Brunson in the pick-and-pop game. However, there were still moments when the offense slowed to a crawl, relying too heavily on isolation plays rather than quick passing and movement. The Knicks have the personnel to be dynamic on both ends, but their challenge lies in keeping that pace alive over 82 games. Brown’s task now is to turn those brief moments of cohesion into a consistent identity that defines the team’s style of play.
As the Knicks move toward the regular season, they do so with a clear sense of who they want to be, even if they are not there yet. The energy is different, the expectations are higher, and the sense of urgency feels real. There were growing pains, but they were the kind that can shape a contender if the lessons are learned early. This preseason did not just prepare the Knicks for opening night; it revealed what kind of fight this team truly has. If they can bottle up that same intensity and refine their rhythm, New York could turn these glimpses of potential into something truly special.
