The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, holding a 1-0 lead after a 113-102 win.
Ahead of the matchup, Jalen Brunson addressed adjustments, team identity, and in-game execution during Monday’s practice media session.
Brunson opened with a focus on continuity and internal trust, saying: “I think for the most part I have a really good relationship and that’s growing, obviously the longer that we’ve known each other. And it’s just become easier and it’s been great. We’ve got to continue to build off of it. Making sure we’re putting ourselves in position to be successful and it’s a good tune, trust each other. It’s very important.”
He also emphasized the importance of role players and preparation depth: “Guys work tremendously hard and put themselves in the right mindset to be ready to go whenever the number is called. It’s a credit to them and the professionalism and everything. And so we really need them to step up day in and day out and they do so.”
Much of the discussion centered on Atlanta’s offensive actions and screen usage, with Brunson noting: “The way they do it is they got to the point where they’ve mastered it and they’re really good at being able to slip out of screens. Get to the point where they’re ready to go and the shooter said I’m ready and they’re really good at it. So we just got to be ready to be more physical at the same time communicate a little better.”
He added a broader tactical concern about matchups and pace: “Teams usually bounce back after a loss. And so we got to be ready to up our intensity, up our physicality and just create the matchups. And now they’re a good team too.”
Brunson also acknowledged CJ McCollum’s shot-making ability, stating: “He played really well and he made a lot of tough shots and just hit a lot of easy ones to give himself going in rhythm so that’s just who he is and he’s being able to be a big-time performer in these situations. So we just gotta lock in on it together.”
On execution and possession value, he pointed to rebounding and momentum swings: “Their timely offensive rebounds when we could have went on a run or a longer run and extended the lead. They were able to make some key baskets off some offensive rebounds. And so be able to clean that up.”
Brunson closed by reinforcing team identity and sacrifice, saying: “At the end of the day, he’s a guy who wants to win, he should do whatever it takes… They came in, they played hard, they made big shots and they made plays. A lot of attention to detail that may get overlooked but their focus and they got it done.”
