The New York Knicks are confronting a daunting challenge as they trail 2-0 in their Conference Finals series at home, a deficit that no team has ever overcome in this round. Much of the criticism for their stagnant offensive performance has recently centered on star guard Jalen Brunson, whose style of play is said to be hindering the team’s rhythm and scoring opportunities.

Jalen Brunson has been a standout performer throughout the playoffs, delivering clutch plays—including a series-clinching shot over Amen Thompson in the first round and critical moments in the second round against the Boston Celtics. He is currently averaging an impressive 39.5 points per game in the Conference Finals, making him arguably the most difficult scorer to guard in the postseason. Despite his individual brilliance, the Knicks’ offense has appeared disjointed and slow, causing concern among fans and analysts alike.

Issues with Knicks’ Offensive Rhythm and Brunson’s Role

Although Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns have increased their pick-and-roll plays, the Knicks’ overall ball movement has been lacking, with long stretches of inactivity on offense. Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague addressed this problem during a Club 520 podcast appearance, putting the spotlight on how Brunson handles the ball:

“You know the Knicks lose these games bro? Jalen Brunson holds the ball for – the shot clock is 24 seconds, he’s holding that b***h for 17. Trying to get a pick and roll. Bring another dude, bring another dude. I’m going one-on-one. If he don’t make it, it’s like F***, you know what I mean? It’s the way he holds the ball. They don’t get no rhythm. That’s why when he comes out of the game, all of a sudden, the pace picks up, the tempo picks up, all of a sudden you see people start hooping a little bit. He holds the ball so long. He’s a great player, hell of a player. He makes tough shots, he does all that. But he holds it for 18 seconds and they get one attempt…There’s no way in hell I can hoop like that.”

—Jeff Teague, Former NBA All-Star

Unlike many voices in the sports media who have largely criticized Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s inflexible approach, Teague’s analysis draws attention directly to Brunson’s ball-dominant playing style. He suggests that Brunson’s tendency to hold the ball for long periods disrupts the Knicks’ pacing and prevents the team from establishing a consistent offensive flow.

Potential Changes to Knicks’ Offensive Strategy

With games 3 and 4 scheduled at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Knicks must rethink their approach if they hope to bounce back. The team boasts several intelligent players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and other members of the Vilanova core, who are capable of executing a more dynamic, motion-oriented offense that emphasizes ball movement and off-ball screens.

Implementing a motion offense would allow the Knicks to generate more scoring opportunities for multiple players rather than relying so heavily on Brunson’s individual creation. While the team has not consistently utilized heavy ball movement throughout the season, this adjustment might be crucial to breaking free from their current stagnant tendencies and improving their offensive efficiency.

The Knicks’ recent strategy has involved slowing the game’s pace, especially when Brunson rests, but that tactic has not produced successful outcomes in the opening games. Continuing down this path risks deepening the 2-0 hole they currently occupy. Shifting towards a motion offense that encourages collective playmaking, with Brunson playing more off the ball and resting longer, could give the Knicks a better chance to close out games strongly on the road.

Hostile Road Atmosphere Awaits in Indiana

The upcoming games in Indianapolis will test the Knicks’ resolve against an eager and passionate home crowd. The city’s basketball fans are some of the most fervent in the NBA and have long awaited a championship run from their Pacers. This environment could create an intense challenge for New York, especially as they try to reverse their fortunes in hostile territory.

Success on the road will require the Knicks to overcome both crowd noise and their current offensive struggles. Finding a reliable offensive system that leverages their roster talent without overrelying on Jalen Brunson’s ball dominance appears essential for their progress. The ability to adapt could determine whether the Knicks extend the series or face an early exit from the playoffs.