Don’t put the Knicks’ newest loss, or their underwhelming 10-13 file, on coach Tom Thibodeau.
Jalen Brunson believes that might be misplaced blame.
“It’s on us. We’re the gamers on the market not battling,” Brunson mentioned after the Knicks’ fourth straight loss on the Backyard, 121-100, to the Mavericks on Saturday afternoon. “It’s his job to place us in [the right] positions, which he’s achieved.”
If the crew’s struggles proceed, Thibodeau’s job safety will inevitably change into a subject of debate. The Knicks gained simply 37 video games final 12 months and have been purported to be improved. Whereas they've performed nicely on the highway, going 6-6, they've been unable to beat anybody of be aware at residence, falling to 4-7 on the Backyard after this newest setback.
“Coach Thibs has achieved an awesome job,” Brunson mentioned. “He’s been capable of put us in positions the place we have to succeed. I feel he is aware of the place to place these puzzle items. It’s simply on us to really execute.”
Brunson didn’t have a lot enjoyable dealing with his previous crew, managing simply 13 factors on 5-for-11 capturing, with three assists and three turnovers. However he was completely satisfied to see the Mavericks. Earlier than the sport, Dallas coach Jason Kidd mentioned the crew has missed Brunson on and off the court docket.
“When issues aren’t going nicely he’s somebody that was all the time somebody that was a relaxing voice, to be constructive and take a look at that will help you out of a hunch,” Kidd mentioned.
Brunson shared a narrative of the primary time they talked after Kidd took over as coach in June 2021.
“I feel the connection me and J-Kidd have could be very distinctive,” Brunson mentioned. “The very first thing he advised me after I met him — he says, ‘What do you need to obtain?’ I advised him I need to contribute as greatest I can, yada yada yada. He mentioned, ‘No, we’ve bought to get you paid.’ That’s what he mentioned, his very first thing. I imply, he did that.”
Brunson inked a four-year, $104 million deal within the offseason to affix the Knicks after spending the primary 4 years of his profession with the Mavericks.
Brunson and Mavericks star Luka Doncic had a guess over the primary Cowboys-Eagles recreation, which was gained by the Eagles. Doncic, a Cowboys fan, needed to put on an Eagles jersey to the Backyard on Saturday with “JB Son” on the again. Brunson is an enormous Eagles fan.
“No, it wasn’t [fun],” Doncic mentioned, earlier than including, “We have now one other recreation coming and we play at residence, so we’ll get one other guess they usually’re coming quickly, so we’ll see.”
The Cowboys host the Eagles on Christmas Eve, and the Knicks journey to Dallas three days later. Keep tuned.
Ryan Arcidiacono (sprained left ankle) remained out for the Knicks.
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