Karl-Anthony Towns has embraced a strategy reminiscent of Kevin Love’s renowned outlet passes. When securing a defensive rebound, Towns immediately scans for opportunities to make a long pass down the court. If a teammate has sprinted ahead, he attempts a Hail Mary-style pass, facilitating quick, easy baskets before the defense can set up. If no clear passing lane is available, he hands the ball to a guard to orchestrate the offense.
The New York Knicks have been forced to adapt since their primary playmaker, Jalen Brunson, suffered an ankle sprain. Without their floor general, the team has experienced inconsistencies in offensive rhythm. The Knicks have won two and lost two games without Brunson, revealing a challenge in maintaining fluidity in their half-court offense.
Knicks Emphasize Fast Breaks and Adjust Offense to Compensate for Brunson’s Absence
To compensate for Brunson’s absence, the Knicks have focused on creating fast-break opportunities. Players like Josh Hart push the pace after defensive rebounds, while Towns initiates quick passes to teammates who can drive the tempo. Even after making baskets, Towns attempts to inbound the ball rapidly to catch opponents off guard and create mismatches.
Jalen Brunson (NBA)Brunson’s impact extended beyond his scoring average of 26 points and seven assists per game. He was one of the league’s most frequent pick-and-roll initiators, a key element of the Knicks’ offense. Since his injury, the team has reduced pick-and-roll reliance, leading to fewer drives to the paint and a decrease in open three-point attempts generated through penetration.
Towns remain the team’s primary offensive option, but his playstyle leans toward finishing rather than facilitating. He leads the NBA in lowest pass rate on drives, meaning once he attacks the rim, he typically finishes himself. While he is a dominant scorer, his ability to create for others remains a work in progress, particularly in the absence of Brunson’s playmaking.
Knicks Adjust Strategies, Rely on Defense Amid Brunson’s Absence and Offensive Struggles
With Brunson sidelined, other Knicks players have taken on expanded roles. Mikal Bridges is handling more pick-and-rolls, while Deuce McBride has shifted into a starting role. However, most of these players are not natural playmakers, making it difficult for the team to generate high-quality offensive opportunities consistently.
Towns’ positioning on the court also reflects a shift in strategy. Rather than consistently posting up, he often operates from 12 feet out, where he can utilize his agility against bigger defenders. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau supports this approach, as it allows Towns to face up more effectively while reducing physical defensive pressure.
While the Knicks have struggled offensively without Brunson, their defense remains a strong suit. McBride, Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart provide tenacious perimeter defense, limiting opponents’ ability to generate easy shots. Their defensive intensity leads to forced turnovers and transition opportunities, which have become essential for the Knicks’ offensive success. This high-energy approach gives them the best chance to generate points while awaiting Brunson’s return.
