The New York Knicks have started their season with a 0-3 record, bogged down by turnovers and inconsistent play, head coach Mike Brown said following their 111-102 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Brown highlighted the varied causes of the team’s ball-handling issues, pointing to different factors in each game but refraining from identifying a single root cause.
“In the first game against Philadelphia, it was more about their athleticism and quickness,” Brown said. “Against Boston, physicality in the paint disrupted us, leading to turnovers. Tonight was largely self-inflicted.” The Knicks have struggled with turnovers across the board, with star center Karl-Anthony Towns averaging four turnovers per game through the first three contests.
The team’s early struggles have been anticipated to some extent, given the short offseason following their franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years. Veteran center Andre Drummond described the situation as “working out the kinks,” emphasizing the team’s need to regain last season’s momentum. “It’s still early, and we’re running the same offense. We just have to get that flow going,” Drummond said.
Drummond’s own role has come under scrutiny after limited playing time over the last two games. The backup center played only seven minutes against the Magic, missing the second half entirely, following a similar restriction in the previous game against the Boston Celtics. The restricted minutes came after an untimely defensive breakdown where Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. scored an uncontested transition layup against Drummond.
When asked about the reduced role, Drummond expressed acceptance of the situation. “Control what I can control,” he said. “I can’t do anything about not playing. All I can do is support my teammates.” Brown explained that Drummond would be used in shorter stints moving forward, citing past overuse against Boston and the desire to alter the team’s dynamics during games. “He’ll play in bursts, not extended minutes,” Brown said.
The Knicks brought in 25-year-old James Wiseman to replace Drummond during those stretches, but the veteran big man went scoreless in seven minutes against the Magic, though he contributed defensively with a block. Brown indicated that Wiseman earned the opportunity due to his recent strong practice performances.
In addition to the Knicks’ struggles, two other NBA players sustained serious injuries on Sunday. Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs left Sunday’s game late in the fourth quarter after a right knee injury; no official diagnosis was announced immediately, but further tests were scheduled for Monday. Similarly, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams suffered a significant lower left leg injury late in the team’s 108-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and was taken off by stretcher. The Thunder did not provide a diagnosis, with coach Mark Daigneault acknowledging the severity of the situation.
Looking ahead, Brown confirmed that Andre Drummond will return to the Knicks’ rotation for Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. “Our starting five is set, but there’s opportunity for others to find consistency,” Brown said. “Until then, I’m going to continue giving players chances to contribute.”