Another Loss, Same Questions: Should the Knicks Be Worried Yet?
The New York Knicks have hit a rough patch, going 3-7 over their last 10 games and currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings. Entering the 2025-2026 NBA season, preseason expectations positioned New York as a legitimate contender capable of challenging for an NBA Finals appearance. Instead, concerns are beginning to surface at the midpoint of the season. While it is common for teams to experience fatigue as the calendar turns toward the NBA All-Star Break, the pressure is mounting, with the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic closing the gap in the Eastern Conference race. Injuries have played a role, particularly the recurring ankle issues suffered by Jalen Brunson, but the larger issue appears to be a lack of cohesion. The Knicks’ growing pains have arrived at an inopportune time, forcing the organization to search for answers before momentum slips further away.
At the start of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were widely viewed as favorites to defend their NBA title. With postseason injuries sidelining Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, the door appeared open for another contender to emerge. For a stretch, that team looked like the New York Knicks. Much of that optimism stemmed from the leadership and production of All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson. Since joining the Knicks during NBA Free Agency in the summer of 2022, Brunson has exceeded expectations, averaging 27 points, three rebounds, and seven assists per game while serving as the team’s emotional engine. His impact earned him the NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award. However, availability has become a concern. New York is just 1-3 without Brunson this season, and recurring right ankle injuries dating back to March 2025, when he missed 15 games after a sprain against the Los Angeles Lakers, continue to resurface. A similar injury in November 2025 against the Orlando Magic and a recent aggravation versus the Sacramento Kings have raised alarms about long-term durability.
Consistency has also been difficult to establish under first-year head coach Mike Brown. After opening the season 2-3, the Knicks surged in November, winning 11 of their next 14 games. Since then, January has been far less forgiving. Lineup instability has become the norm, as injuries and experimentation have forced constant change. Opening night featured Brunson alongside Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Ariel Hukporti, before Josh Hart reclaimed a starting role. Throughout the season, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara, and Tyler Kolek have all shuffled in and out of the rotation. While flexibility can be a strength, the lack of continuity has prevented players from settling into clearly defined roles, creating on-court friction and uneven performances.
The question now becomes whether the Knicks are approaching panic mode. An upcoming stretch against the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers presents an opportunity to stabilize before the NBA All-Star Break. On paper, New York boasts its most talented roster in years, featuring multiple players capable of earning All-NBA or All-Defensive honors. Their bench unit remains one of the deepest in the league, highlighted by a former Sixth Man of the Year Award winner and several proven scorers. Mike Brown, who was recognized with the Coach of the Year Award in 2023, has the pedigree to guide a turnaround. Late-season slumps are not uncommon, even among contenders. If the Knicks can rediscover their rhythm and regain health, they remain firmly in the hunt to compete for their first NBA championship in over 50 years.
