---
title: "Knicks' Streak Built on Brown's Bold Towns Shift"
description: "Coach Mike Brown moved Karl-Anthony Towns to the perimeter. The Knicks haven't lost since."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/knicks-notes-towns-brown-hart-bridges-potential-sweep-mp03ez23
published: 2026-05-16T04:39:03.208121+00:00
updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Knicks' Streak Built on Brown's Bold Towns Shift

> 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 Karl-Anthony Towns 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.

## Why this matters

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.

## Frequently asked

### What specific adjustment did Mike Brown make?

Brown moved Karl-Anthony Towns from the post to the perimeter, using him as a playmaker. This created driving lanes and forced Atlanta's defense to stretch.

### How has Karl-Anthony Towns performed since the change?

Towns averaged 22 points and 8 assists in Game 2, becoming a facilitator. His perimeter presence opened up the Knicks' offense and bench production.

### What does this mean for the Knicks' series against Atlanta?

The Knicks now lead the series 3-1. If the adjustment continues to work, they could sweep the Hawks and advance with strong momentum.

### Why did Brown make this change?

After losing Game 1, the Knicks' offense looked stagnant. Brown needed to disrupt Atlanta's defensive scheme and unlock scoring opportunities for his guards.

## Sources & Citations

- [Knicks Notes: Towns, Brown, Hart, Bridges, Potential Sweep](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/knicks-notes-towns-brown-hart-bridges-potential-sweep.html) — Hoops Rumors (2026-05-10)

---

Cite: Knicks' Streak Built on Brown's Bold Towns Shift. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/knicks-notes-towns-brown-hart-bridges-potential-sweep-mp03ez23