The defending champion Knicks are 2-4 after six games, with turnovers and isolation-heavy offense undermining the team chemistry that powered their title run. Coach Mike Brown says the group must rebuild its togetherness step by step, and believes it can work through the early growing pains. Jose Alvarado could return against Brooklyn, while Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart are looking to overcome shooting struggles and fatigue.

By the Numbers
  • New York is 2-4 after six games.
  • Tyler Kolek recorded 25 assists and 2 turnovers in 57 minutes across Alvarado’s 4-game absence.
  • Bridges is shooting 33.3% from the field and 29.2% from 3-point range; he went 5-for-8 from 3 on Friday.
Yes, But

The Knicks’ slow start is concerning, but it echoes last season’s early struggles, when Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were still sorting out their roles. Those issues eventually improved, giving Brown reason to believe the current growing pains can be resolved, too.

State of Play
  • Alvarado practiced Sunday and is questionable for Monday’s game against Brooklyn after missing four games with a sprained ankle.
  • Hart says fatigue is affecting the team after a stretch of three games in four nights.
What's Next

Alvarado’s status could affect Kolek’s minutes, though Brown has said Kolek will continue playing while Alvarado is out. The Knicks will also need to reduce turnovers, move away from isolation-heavy possessions and regain their shooting rhythm.

Bottom Line

The championship standard hasn’t disappeared, but New York needs to rebuild its chemistry and get healthier and sharper before early-season struggles become a deeper problem.