Coach Mike Brown moved Karl-Anthony Towns to the perimeter. The Knicks haven't lost since.
The New York Knicks have won three straight games, flipping their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks on its head. The catalyst? A strategic adjustment by Coach Mike Brown that repositioned from the post to the perimeter, using him as a playmaker.
Brown's decision came after the Knicks dropped Game 1, looking stagnant offensively. By stationing Towns on the wing, the Knicks created driving lanes for Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart while forcing Atlanta's defense to stretch beyond its comfort zone. Towns responded with 22 points and 8 assists in Game 2, a performance that set the tone for the current run.
The adjustment also unlocked the Knicks' bench. With Towns drawing defenders outside, shooters like Donte DiVincenzo found cleaner looks. Defensively, the shift allowed the Knicks to switch more aggressively, disrupting Trae Young's pick-and-roll rhythm.
Atlanta has yet to counter effectively. This winning streak could be a turning point in the series. If Brown's gamble continues to pay off, the Knicks might sweep the Hawks and advance with momentum.
What's next: Game 4 in Atlanta, where the Hawks must adjust or face elimination. Read at Hoops Rumors
The Knicks' winning streak is not just a hot stretch—it's a testament to Coach Mike Brown's adaptability. In a league where stubbornness often costs teams series, Brown recognized his initial game plan wasn't working and made a bold, on-the-fly change. Moving Karl-Anthony Towns to the perimeter redefined the Knicks' offense and exposed Atlanta's defensive limitations. If this adjustment holds, it could reshape how teams deploy star big men in playoff settings, proving that flexibility, not ego, wins in May.
Hoops Rumorshoopsrumors.comBy Arthur HillMay 10, 5:58 PMen-US
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